55 years ago, Nina Simone performed at the Hilton Hotel Ballroom in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This series of photos was captured by none other than photojournalist Teenie Harris. 

Charles “Teenie” Harris (1908-1998) was the prominent photographer for the Pittsburgh Courier - the most widely circulated Black newspaper in the Country from 1935-1975. 

In my opinion, Teenie Harris is an unsung hero, and deserves more recognition. In over 80,000 images, Harris chronicled everyday Black life, joy, and leading figures who visited Pittsburgh - a striking contrast in the era of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement. 

My goal is to uplift the legacy of Harris, who centered Black Pittsburghers through his “one-shot” takes of our humanity. 

This piece is a take on Harris’ double-exposure photo, and additional series of Nina Simone in her element, in song, as a pianist, and as a legend in her own right.