Charles “Teenie” Harris (1908–1998) was born and raised in Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood. He expressed curiosity about photography early in life, and his grandfather, who shared his interest, fueled this passion. Throughout his life, Harris seriously pursued photography as his livelihood, and despite being self-taught, he secured and held the position as the preeminent photographer for The Pittsburgh Courier—a leading African American news publication—for over 40 years. Due to the swift and precise way he captured subjects, Pittsburgh mayor David Lawrence gave him the nickname “One Shot Harris.”
During the 1940s, Harris’ photojournalism for the Courier frequently captured construction and crime scenes associated with the city steps. These stark images highlighted the dilapidated and unsafe conditions many residents experienced throughout the World War II years and the infrastructure building boom in the years immediately following the War’s end. In addition to his work for the Courier, Harris also photographed scenes from weddings, sporting events, and entertainment throughout Homewood and the Hill District’s famous jazz bars and concert venues. His images of ordinary people and neighborhood life capture the Black community’s struggles and resilience, showing a city and an era teeming with energy, culture, friendship, and family.
In 2001, the Carnegie Museum of Art purchased Harris’ collection of 80,000 negatives from his estate. Thanks to the generous support of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Carnegie digitized nearly 60,000 of Harris’ negatives from the 1930s to the 1980s and made them viewable online. Through outreach efforts, lectures, and special events, the museum has asked for assistance in identifying the people, places, and events in the images. In 2020, a dedicated permanent exhibition of Harris’ photographs was installed, titled, In Sharp Focus: Charles ‘Teenie’ Harris.
All B&W photos are the work of Teenie Harris. The two color photos were taken by me to identify the locations. I’d love to know where the final photo was taken. It appears to be a Hill District hilltop overlooking the then-new public housing buildings. Any ideas?
Photo locations: City steps connecting Centre Ave to Brackenridge Street, Middle Hill. City sidewalk steps along Eleanor Street, South Side Slopes. The intersection of Herron and Wylie Avenues, Upper Hill (city steps positioned by railing). Bottom row Location unknown.
