As promised, here’s a slideshow of some of the work that can be seen at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. Ralph Armstrong (1925-2006) made a career of taking photographs at African American events in Little Rock for 50 years, his entry in the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History tells us. Armstrong aspired to be a classical musician, but in 1946, after he auditioned for the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra in Chicago, he was denied a seat, probably because he was black. He then embarked on his photography career.

I got a quick look at the exhibit yesterday, in the temporary exhibit hall at the museum. Many of the people pictured and the date of the shots aren’t known; the museum would I’m sure welcome a visit by long-time residents of Little Rock who may be able to help with identification.

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