A couple of weeks ago, a photo collector reached out to me concerning this priceless image. His research had identified the man as Rev. Fred M. Davis, the most prominent African-American Baptist minister in Wilson in the first half of the twentieth century, and he wanted to reconnect the portrait with Rev. Davis’ descendants. They are cherished family friends, and I was delighted to help.

Yesterday, after a meet-up in North Carolina, Rev. Davis’ portrait went home.

Diana Davis Myers gazes at a portrait of her grandfather, Rev. Fred M. Davis.

Thank you, G.G., for the diligent search that ultimately led you to Black Wide-Awake and the return of this family treasure. Photo courtesy of Michelle Myers Young.