Our visitor on Friday, September 22, 2006 was 71 year old photographer Jim Alexander, a native of New Jersey. He was a very interesting man with lots of energy and a wealth of knowledge about documentary photography as well as African Americans. I appreciated his knowledge and dedication to present African-Americans through documentary photography. A veteran of 40 years, he discussed how his life changed after his service in the navy. He started taking photos in 1952. It was not until the 1960s that he begin to document African-Americans. He is known for documenting, music artist, marches, and rallies.

Mr. Alexander has taught at various colleges such as Atlanta and Clark colleges. He is on campus at NCCU to aid in the start of a jazz institute that he said will exceed that of Rutgers. This is a very exciting opportunity for NCCU.

He encouraged us to utilize the equipment, and areas to gain knowledge while in college. He said that we should take advantage of the internships, radio station, etc to help with developing a resume. “Get what you can while you are in school.” He encouraged the males in class to read Haki R. Madhubuti’s book “Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous?”


I loved the photos on his website. He has photos from B.B. King to Michael Jackson: www.jimalexanderphotography.com