Explore Black History

May 1933

This gelatin silver print depicts a black and white image of Ruby Bates and a small group of marchers on their way to the White House to deliver a petition in favor of the Scottsboro Boys. Bates is standing in the middle of Three women in step with each other are in the foreground of the image. Ruby Bates, is at the center of the trio; she links her arms through the elbows of the women on either side of her. The woman to Bates' left carries a large clutch purse in gloved hands and wears a long, collared overcoat and brimless hat. The woman on the right looks forward, away from the camera, while wearing a brimless hat and long overcoat. Behind the three women is a row of three men in step together; their features are slightly out of focus, however, their hats remain clear to the viewer. The words [Scottsboro case] are written in the top left corner on the back of the photograph. Below it, a stamp reads [Note to Editors: / APR 4 1933 / Under each reproduction of this picture must / be carried the following credit: / "ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO" / This picture may not be syndicated, rented or loaned nor used for advertising purposes. / The Associated Press]. Below the stamp a piece of paper containing an image caption is glued to the bottom of the photograph and reads [RUBY BATES, ALABAMA MILL GIRL WHO CAUSED A / SENSATION IN THE LAST SCOTTSBORO ATTACK TRIAL / BY REVERSING HER PREVIOUS TESTIMONY THAT SHE / HAD BEEN ATTACKED BY THE NEGRO DEFENDANTS, LEADS / A PARADE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED WHITES AND NEGROES / THROUGH WASHINGTON STREETS MAY 8 TO CARRY A / PETITION TO THE WHITE HOUSE. RUBY IS SHOWN HERE / IN THE CENTER OF THIS GROUP OF THREE WOMEN. / JWC--CX 5--9--33 CX LIST WC OUT / ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO].

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Photographs and Still Images

Anti-Lynching Movement

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

2014.37.39.4

gelatin silver prints
portraits

© AP Images
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

H x W (Image): 8 5/16 × 6 3/8 in. (21.1 × 16.2 cm)
H x W (Sheet): 9 × 7 in. (22.9 × 17.8 cm)

Object Name • Photograph of Ruby Bates delivering a petition in favor of the Scottsboro Boys

nmaahc_2014.37.39.4

NMAAHC

PHOTOGRAPH OF RUBY BATES DELIVERING A PETITION IN FAVOR OF THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS

National Museum of African American History and Culture

CC0

1930s

Associated Press • Bates, Ruby

District of Columbia • United States • North and Central America • Washington

Justice • Photography • U.S. History, 1919-1933 • Anti-Lynching Movement • Activism • Law • Race relations

City • Washington • State • District of Columbia • Country • United States • Continent • North and Central America

Portraits • Photographs

Images

Use Restricted