Seattle on the Spot

Al Smith’s photography chronicled the jazz clubs, family gatherings, neighborhood events, and individuals who made up Seattle’s African American community in the mid-twentieth century. Seattle on the Spot features highlights from Smith’s legacy along with reflections from historians, scholars, friends, and family members. The book is a companion to the exhibition at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI).

Quin'Nita Cobbins is a PhD candidate at the University of Washington and webmaster of BlackPast.org. Her research focuses on African American women’s history in the Pacific Northwest. Paul de Barros is the author of Jackson Street After Hours: The Roots of Jazz in Seattle and a former jazz columnist for The Seattle Times. Howard Giske is curator of photography at MOHAI and long-time friend of Al Smith. Jackie E. A. Lawson is a historian and founding member of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State. Al “Butch” Smith is Al’s son. Butch received a degree in education from Seattle University and his PhD from the College of Education at the University of Washington.