Obsidian Stories

The Clarke-Ford House is the oldest surviving house in Chicago, IL.  It was built in 1836 for Henry B. Clarke. From 1941 until 1970, Bishop Louis Henry and Margaret Ford saved it and restored it to landmark status.  Their grandson, Pastor Kevin Ford tells a story of growing up in this house, how it positively impacted the Black community and how it became a museum.

Obsidian’s first use of AI in storytelling is a series of AI images of communities long gone.  The Series is called “The Other Side of The Rainbow” These images imagine situations and show positive possibilities.  It is another way we amplify the Black Narrative. Our Founder, Angela Ford , talks about what we learned in the process.

Reginald Maynor , Director of the International Division of Luster Products talks about the importance of Black ownership in the Black haircare industry.  He shares the important origin story of AHBAI , the American Health and Beauty Aids Institute formed in 1981, comprised of most of the Black-owned beauty businesses in America at that time.

Nathan Thompson is an expert on the economic engines of The Policy Kings that “ran the Numbers” or as we say today, held the local Lottery in Chicago. These men also served as the micro-lenders to the hundreds of small businesses owned by Black entrepreneurs in the community.

In 1973, four African American photographers and friends created their own gallery presentation at the Southside Community Arts Center called Through Eyes of Blackness .  What was unique about them is they were Black men who all worked for Chicago’s mainstream newspapers. Fifty years later, one of the photographers, Howard Simmons tells us about the men, the photography, the era and the exhibit.

The Obsidian Collection goes across the pond to work with a group of Black female photographers in London, UK.  This conversation is with the founder of this group with a membership of over 400 Black women and their joining the Obsidian Collection Archives.   To learn more visit: https://ukbftog.com/  

On the heels of the Civil Rights Movement, the riots of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois and the assassinations of too many Black leaders, the Black community decided it was important to come together and create their OWN platform for Black people in America.  Over 10,000 Black people met in Gary, Indiana. The rest is history.

In 1966, MLK was invited to Chicago by the local Black Clergy to support their efforts for improved housing and better living conditions. The challenges were many but so were the rewards. Hermene Hartman owns some rare images of this event.  They were taken by famed photographer, John Tweetle . The stories told surrounding the visit are riveting. Wniplcqeg@gC6rewqch3