The Black Americana Collection 1887-2008 (bulk 1980-2000) is a collection of photographs, printed materials, textiles, and three-dimensional objects. The formats include historic postcards, news clippings, programs, sheet music, textiles, dolls, and figurines related to the African American experience. Some of these materials project racist attitudes towards the community during the 20th century. Ted Sahl, photo-journalist and collector, has documented the African American community in San Jose since the 1970s. The photographic materials include images of celebrities political rallies, and social events in San Jose, as well as a small photographic album that features African Americans living in Santa Cruz during the 1940s-1950s. The historic post-card collection illustrates the racists attitudes during the era of Jim Crow. This eclectic collection of black americana documents the struggles, achievements, and contributions of the African American community in American society and culture. This collection is arranged into three (3) series: Series I: Photographic Materials; Series II: Printed Materials; Series III: Textiles and Three-dimensional Objects.

Theodore (Ted) Sahl is an award winning local photographer in San José, California. Sahl has spent the last 30 years as a photojournalist, documenting social and political events in the Bay Area. Although best known for his involvement with the Santa Clara County Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community, Sahl photographed other social movements in the region, including the anti-nuclear demonstrations at the Lawrence Livermore Radiation Laboratory, Cesar Chavez and the Farm Labor Strikes in the 1970s-1980s, and the African American community in Santa Clara County. A champion of social justice, Sahl, used photography to document and empower marginalized communities.

7 boxes, 7 linear feet

Copyright to the photographs created by Ted Sahl is assigned to the San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the SJSU Special Collections & Archives. Copyright restrictions may apply to digital reproductions of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.