Frank Espada’s Documentary Photography goes to the Smithsonian

We were delighted to learn that work by BAPC founder Frank Espada (1930-2014)  has been acquired by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Frank’s Puerto Rican Diaspora Documentary Project includes many of the archival prints that were exhibited across the country between 1981 and 1996, as well as more than 140 oral histories, recorded between 1979 and 1981.

We’re especially glad that a museum with the reputation of the Smithsonian has acquired this material. It means that artists and activists, students and educators in this and coming generations will have access to his inspiring work. Frank Espada’s career as an activist, documentary photographer, and educator spanned more than 60 years. His work began in New York the 1950’s, and continued after he moved to San Francisco in 1985. The Puerto Rican Diaspora Documentary Project is his best known work.