While we were preparing for Black Photojournalism to open at the Carter and looking for local stories of Black photojournalism, we were lucky enough to learn of photographs of a significant moment in Fort Worth history by famed local photographer Calvin Littlejohn. This is the story behind those photographs.

On October 7, 1959, something powerful happened at Broadway Baptist Church. It wasn’t a protest or a public speech but a funeral service that quietly subverted the norms in a segregated community. The service honored Mr. John Thomas, an African American man who had worked as a custodian in the White church for decades and had long considered it to be his home.

Before Thomas became a familiar face around the church, he served our country during World War I. During his time working at Broadway Baptist, segregation was still firmly in place. Despite this, Thomas still attended services every Sunday for many years. He wasn’t allowed to sit with the rest of the congregation, so he claimed a seat in the baptistery instead. He was kept apart from everyone else, but he still showed up week after week.

His funeral at Broadway Baptist Church was especially significant for Fort Worth. Because of his military service, Thomas had full military honors, a meaningful recognition of his service and sacrifice. And it was only the second time in the city’s history that a Black person’s funeral had been held in a White church. Over 1,100 people showed up. Crowds lined the streets and filled the block around the church. It was a powerful statement about the type of person Thomas had been. People remembered him as charismatic, warm, and deeply connected to the community. He had built relationships that crossed boundaries.

This poignant moment was aptly documented by Calvin Littlejohn, a well-known photographer in the Black community of Fort Worth. His photographs capture the event and the feeling of the day. The respect, the solemnity, and the grief can all be seen through the photographs.

Although most funerals are about saying goodbye, this service was also about recognition. It showed that even in a segregated society there were moments when people came together. The service didn’t end segregation or destroy all biases, of course, but it hinted at change to come.

Thomas’s story is a reminder that history isn’t only shaped by photographs of famous leaders or major events. Sometimes it’s shaped by everyday people. Thomas brought a community together in a way that still resonates today. Because of Littlejohn’s photographs, we are reminded of the significance of this moment.

We are honored to share this history and extend our gratitude to the family of Mr. John Thomas for their generosity and trust. We are equally thankful to the Broadway Baptist Church, whose partnership made it possible for these photos to be shared.

To learn more about Calvin Littlejohn and his photography, look for our upcoming interview with his grandson, Ron Abram.