HBCUs Partner With Getty Images to Digitize Historical Archives

Introduction

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are partnering with Getty Images to digitize their archives, bringing long-hidden treasures to the public eye for the first time. This initiative aims to preserve invaluable historical content while supporting HBCUs through the financial benefits of image licensing.

Digitization and Licensing

The Getty Images photo archive grants program has selected 11 HBCUs, including Claflin University in South Carolina, North Carolina Central University, Jackson State University, and Prairie View A&M University. Through this partnership, the institutions are receiving support to digitize their archives, which include documents, photographs, and films spanning over a century of Black American history.

Participating HBCUs retain full copyright ownership of their materials, with 50% of licensing fees going directly back to each institution. The remaining proceeds fund scholarships for students and contribute to the ongoing preservation of the Getty Images photo archives grant program. This initiative has already seen significant success, with Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and Jackson State University partnering with Ancestry to enhance genealogical research and document digitization.

Impact on Historiography

The Getty team works closely with each institution’s administration to identify commercially viable content within their archives. They have found unique images of notable figures, such as Jesse Jackson interacting with students or Muhammad Ali at an event in Florida. These discoveries not only provide a glimpse into the past but also inspire and empower HBCUs to take pride in their rich history.

For instance, a photo of Cecil J Williams, an octogenarian photographer at Claflin University, was previously circulating globally without proper attribution. The Getty Images grants program helps ensure that institutions like Claflin receive the recognition they deserve for such historical artifacts.

Expanding Reach and Impact

Beyond the initial 11 HBCUs, additional institutions have joined the program. These include Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana, Bennett College in North Carolina, Florida A&M University in Florida, and Alcorn State University, the first public land-grant HBCU. The program continues to expand its reach, aiming to uncover and share untold stories that contribute to American history.

By working with organizations like Ancestry, these partnerships further enhance historical documentation and make archival materials more accessible. They also help HBCUs to preserve their rich cultural heritage while supporting academic and community initiatives through financial contributions and scholarships.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Getty Images and HBCUs is not only preserving a century’s worth of historical content but also providing economic benefits that support these institutions. As more HBCUs join the program, the initiative aims to expand its impact, ensuring that untold stories are shared with the world and contributing to the broader narrative of American history.

Sources: The Guardian, BBC, Al Jazeera