"The Thrill of the 70's," by Al Kaplan (Words & Pix)

"Back in 1970, Miami was still a pretty segregated place. I knew

this chick who worked as an art director, and she introduced me to

the first black that had moved into her building. He was here from

Chicago to start a black weekly to compete with the Miami Times. He

said he was looking for a photographer. I pointed out that I was

white. His reply was that his bosses felt that if the government

could force white owned companies to hire blacks then he should hire

whites before the government stepped in and forced him to do so.

Soon I was down at Dade County police headquarters getting a new

press card for the Florida Courrier!"<div></div>

"The photo of Rev. Ralph Abernathy was shot on the campus of the University of Miami to a mixed race audience. I was shooting Ilford HP4 in a double stroke M3 with a black late model 85mm f/2 Nikkor, a great lens I always regretted selling. A few years ago I found a clean chrome version and just love it. The M3 was in continuous use until a couple of years ago when I sold it because I'd gotten a near mint one out of an estate."<div></div>

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"The other two photos have a more interesting story. The assignment was to photograph an organizational meeting of a new radical black group known by the acronym BAMM ~ Black Afro Millitant Movement. They idolized the Cuban revolutionary Che Guavera. They were a rival group to the Black Panthers. I arived at this rundown building in Miami's black neighborhood known as Overtown about 8 P.M., knocked on the door, and was greeted with a "What th' f*** you doin' here, honkey?" They didn't want to let me in. I showed them my press card, explained that if they wanted coverage in the black paper they'd have to tolerate the paper's token whitey. After a bit of conferring amongst themselves they let me in. One of the deciding factors was they thought I must be cool if I'd come into that neighborhood with my cameras after dark, knocked on their door, and not act scared sh*tless. I got a bunch of photos, had some refreshments with them, and got invited back if I wanted to. My one regret is that I didn't write all the names down on the negative sleeves or contact sheets. I'd have liked to be able to do a follow-up now, find out what became of them. They were a bright bunch of folks! These photos were with a 50mm 1.4 Nikkor and a 35mm f/1.8 Canon on a Leica M4 using Ilford HP4"

Sorry for the mistake on the caption to the second BAMM photo. It should read "Canon" instead of "Nikkor." Working too quickly...

Just an aside for Al: at that time, were you aware of the origin of the Che image that's on

the banner the girl is holding? Had you heard of/come across Korda/Gutierrez?

 

Just thinking about the resonances there - a Leica being used to take a picture of an image

originally itself taken with a Leica...

On that note - IIRC the Cuban Revolution really brought the 35mm into prominence as a journalistic tool. These guys were living in the bush and a large camera would NOT do. They made do with 35mm RFs, cheap mimeographs and printing presses, short wave transmitters, etc. to get the message out.

Thanks for posting these James! Strange that the scanner seems to pick up these what? reflections? bright spots off the high gloss RC paper. I guess we should stick to the Ilford Muligrade double weight glossy dried matte in the future with that scanner.

I think this series is brilliant.

 

It captures an innocence/acceptance that has been lost to the western world. Can you imagine, for example, Grant, or Brad, or Maria, or Ed, or Ray, taking pictures of modern day muslims expressing their beliefs and frustrations. Both the photographers and their subjects would be banged up and shafted.

Reminds me of Tom Wolfe and his "Radical chic and mau-mauing the flak catchers"

Nah! I think it's still possible to go about anyplace in this country, and probably most other places, and develop enough rapport with people to photograph them. Sure, the world has changed a lot in 35 years! The number of journalists killed by terrorists seems a fightening figure only because they never publish the figures for the number killed in auto accidents.

Pretty exciting photos Al / James. Keep them coming. I

especially liked #2. Don't get me started. POWER TO THE

PEOPLE!

Che was argentinian not cuban.

THIRLLING!

A good corollary to "Radical Chic" is Wolfe's discussion of the Wah Ching and the Red Guard in "Funky Chic." That covers a bit more of the fashion element in revolutionary ideology.

Reflections or no reflections, they're still brilliant photos, my fav being the first one. Excellent work!!!

I can certainly attest to the fact that the prints, even on simple high gloss stock, are superior to what I can scan on a cheap flatbed at work (between vital international affairs) and quickly post here.

Great shots, Al! I hope they will be in your book along with the story.

 

BTW, put me down for a signed copy!

 

Best,

 

Todd

Just a reminder that if anybody would like to purchase a signed print of any of my photographs just email me. I've been putting a lot of time and effort into this project and every little bit helps. Thanks.

Very interesting, Al. I love the posters on the wall in the second and third

pictures. And the poses! Man! Love it.

 

I wonder how Che Guevara was perceived in 1970 in the States. I suppose it actually

meant something to idolise him back then, in the middle of the Cold War. He was a

man of fierce intellect and much learning, who took an economic gamble, and lost.

Could have happened to any great thinker. His life story is an inspiration to anyone,

even the most capatilist American Dreamer. He had a fascinating work ethic! I think

he's a worthy idol, although what he represents today is far removed from what he

actually held dear.

 

Were the "refreshments" smokeable? :-)

were you a freelancer or a staffer..? just curious because you seem to own the rights to these negs rather than the publication owning them....good deal you got there

They were actually a pretty staight laced group when it came to alcohol and drug use, like it was part of the white man's plot to keep the black man down.

Al, I'll trade you one of mine for a Dylan print.... only if you're interested, of course.

Amazing, I'm so happy that you're sharing these. BTW, you really are the best storyteller!

Very interesting work. Keep such postings going. This is so much more interesting than postings like "is this the right adapter" or "why is Leica bla bla bla". History is intriguing.