Cleveland Inaugural Photo with Numerous African Americans in Audience, Huge

A remarkable inaugural photograph of President Grover Cleveland with over a dozen African American spectators seen in the crowd. Measuring 13.25" x 9.25", Washington, D.C., dated ca. March 4, 1885. Published by J. F. Jarvis. The black and white image shows Cleveland standing in the reviewing stand in front of the White House, with former president Chester Arthur seated at his right. In the front of the standing audience, below the stands, can be seen at least 16 black spectators. Given their ages and it being 20 years following the end of the Civil War, it is very likely that some of these spectators may have been freed slaves. The photograph is slightly curved, with some chipping, wear, and bumping to the edges and corners. Light toning, soiling, and scratching to the photograph. Still very attractive.

It is interesting to see numerous black Americans in the audience of Cleveland's inauguration, as he had a checkered past in relation to race. Despite running on a platform of social reform, Cleveland agreed with white southerners in their reluctance to treat African Americans as social and political equals and made assurances to former Confederates that they had an ally in the White House. He saw Reconstruction as a failed experiment and was reluctant to use federal power to enforce the 15th Amendment, which guaranteed African Americans the right to vote. Cleveland also opposed integrated schools in New York and saw black Americans as essentially inferior.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!