Digital Collections

Burnis McCloud

Details

SummaryThe McCloud Collection stands alone as the documentation of a unique time and place in American History - the flourishing of Denver's African-American community during the crucial years between 1940 and 1980. Burnis McCloud captured countless rare moments and festive events.

Born in Birmingham, AL, Burnis McCloud lived in Denver's Five Points and documented the African American community there. Employed as a custodian at the CO State Capitol, he used his artistic skill to win national photography contests & feature in Photography Magazine.

After serving in WWII, McCloud used GI Bill support to earn a Photography degree from the University of Denver. When the Capitol moved to a less-expensive contracting agency for their custodians, he took the opportunity to test his hand as a full-time professional photographer.

He photographed local events and important figures (such as MLK) when they came to town. Especially noteworthy are his images of African American Denverites’ daily life, from within the community, and over a period from the 1930s to 1970s.Search

Duke Ellington (left) and Burnis McCloud Sr. pose for a photo. Both men are smiling. They are wearing suits, Ellington in plaid and McCloud in a dark suit and tie with a dog pattern.