Ebony Photos On Auction Block

From the June 6, 2019, Chicago Tribune "On the auction block" by Robert Channick.

"The Ebony photo archives, a unique and expansive window into the African American experience, are set to go on the auction block in July, pending approval from a Chicago federal bankruptcy court."

Opening bids are expected to be about $13 million  with the proceeds going to pay off the secured creditors of the Johnson Publishing Company, who are George Lucas (of movie fame) and Mellody Hobson.

Johnson Publishing was formed in 1942 and published Ebony magazine in 1945.

These photos span more than 70 years of black history with photos of everyone from Martin Luther King Jr. to Sammy Davis Jr.. There are over 4 million photos.Including ones of Hank Aaron, Muhammed Ali, Malcom X, Nelson Mandela, Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles.

Here's hoping some institution gets them who will not only keep the photos together but also make them available to the  public.

--Cooter