Mentored by renowned photographer Gordon Parks, Jim Alexander dedicated his work to capturing the Black experience and human rights struggles.
Born in New Jersey, Jim Alexander discovered his passion for photography during his service in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956. After earning a degree in commercial photography from the New York Institute of Photography and a certificate from Rutgers University, Alexander began a career that would span over five decades.
In 1968, following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, Alexander started his "Spirits/Martyrs/Heroes" collection, documenting human rights and civil rights movements.
Throughout his career, Alexander balanced commercial work with his passion for documentary photography. He taught photography for over 40 years and was involved in various community initiatives. In 1970, he moved to New Haven, CT, where he opened Jim-Alex Studio Gallery and founded the Freedom Arts Communications Team (F.A.C.T.) to serve local communities through art.
Alexander relocated to Atlanta in 1976, becoming deeply involved in the Black Arts Movement. He served as photographer-in-residence at the Neighborhood Arts Center and later at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University). His work extensively documented African American music, particularly jazz, leading to exhibitions like "Duke and Other Legends: Jazz Photographs By Jim Alexander" in 1988.
Beyond photography, Alexander co-founded First World Bookstore in Atlanta in 1988, specializing in African American literature and art. His commitment to education and community development remained a constant throughout his life.
Alexander's work has been widely recognized and exhibited, including at the Smithsonian Institution. In 1995, he was honored as the first artist in Atlanta's City Gallery East's "Atlanta Masters Series." In 2000, he received a "Photojournalist of a Lifetime" award for his documentary work.
Jim Alexander's photography is characterized by its honest portrayal of African American life, social struggles, and artistic expression. His work serves as a vital historical record, capturing decades of the African American experience with empathy, insight, and artistic skill. The Jim Alexander Collection stands as a testament to his dedication to documenting and preserving Black culture and the ongoing fight for social justice.