Black Belt Collection

CHICAGO: CHILDREN, 1941. Children jumping rope outside of an apartment building on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: MOVIE THEATER. Children lined up to see the Easter Sunday matinee at a movie theater on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: CHILDREN, 1941. Children playing ring around the rosie in the Black Belt neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, 1941

CHICAGO: CONVERSATION, 1941. Two African American woman talking outside of an apartment building on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: CHILDREN, 1941. Children in front of apartment buildings on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: CHILDREN, 1941. Children playing in front of an apartment building on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: SOUTH SIDE, 1941. Apartment buildings on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Russell Lee, April 1941

CHICAGO: POSTERS, 1941. Circus posters on a wall in the Black Belt area of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, 1941

CHICAGO: PAPER COLLECTING. An African American man and woman collecting paper for sale, on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: CHILDREN, 1941. Boys playing and pretending that they are shooting machine guns at a passing airplane, on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: EASTER, 1941. Congregation outside of a church on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, on Easter Sunday. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: EASTER PROCESSION. Easter procession outside of a church on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: LILY VENDORS, 1941. Lily vendors on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, on Easter Sunday, 1941. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam

CHICAGO: GARDEN, 1941. An African American woman painting the fence of an outdoor garden on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: LUNCH WAGON, 1941. A lunch wagon for African Americans in Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: SOUTH SIDE, 1941. Vacant lots and apartment buildings on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Russell Lee, April 1941

CHICAGO: CHURCH, 1941. Sign outside of a church on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, July 1941

CHICAGO: CHURCH, 1941. Congregation outside of a church on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: CHILDREN, 1941. African American children in front of an apartment building on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, April 1941

CHICAGO: NEWSBOY, 1942. Newsboy selling the Chicago Defender, a leading African American newspaper in Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Jack Delano, April 1942

CHICAGO: BOYS, 1941. Boys playing that they are shooting machine guns at an airplane in the Black Belt neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Edwin Rosskam, 1941

CHICAGO: BOY, 1941. A boy in the Black Belt area of Chicago, Illinois. Photograph, Edwin Rosskam, 1941

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"Black Belt: A Vibrant Community of Resilient Children in 1941 Chicago" In the bustling city of Chicago, amidst the vibrant Black Belt neighborhood, children's laughter filled the air. In 1941, these young souls found joy and camaraderie in simple pleasures that brought them together. Outside an apartment building, a group of children jumped rope with infectious enthusiasm. Their carefree spirits soared as they leaped over each twirling turn. The rhythmic thumping echoed through the streets, drawing smiles from passersby. Another day on the South Side unfolded at a movie theater where anticipation buzzed among eager youngsters waiting to see the Easter Sunday matinee. Lined up with excitement etched on their faces, they eagerly awaited cinematic adventures that would transport them to worlds beyond their own. Not far away, children played ring around the rosie in a lively game that united them like an unbreakable circle. They spun and laughed without any worries or cares; their innocence shining brightly against a backdrop of apartment buildings standing tall. Amidst conversations outside apartments, two African American women shared stories and dreams for brighter tomorrows. Their resilience was evident as they navigated challenges within this close-knit community - supporting one another through thick and thin. The Black Belt area showcased its unique character through circus posters adorning walls - colorful symbols promising moments of wonderment and awe for all who passed by. These vibrant displays added charm to an already spirited neighborhood. Even during difficult times, resourcefulness prevailed as an African American man and woman collected paper for sale - demonstrating determination to make ends meet while contributing to their community's livelihood. In 1941 Chicago's Black Belt district thrived with life; it was home to resilient children whose youthful spirit shone brightly against every backdrop – be it jumping ropes outside apartment buildings or lining up excitedly for movies or engaging in playful games like ring around the rosie. Amidst conversations and paper collecting, this community's strength was evident.