Everyday people from the 1890's through the turn of the century.
"The photographer who rejected racism in the American south"
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28838957
"At the turn of the 20th Century, life was incredibly difficult for the African-American community in the southern states of the US. But one self-taught photographer used his camera to challenge racial barriers and capture the diversity of the American South.
"I did not know my grandfather but I am very proud that he was able to capture these people in pictures - whether they were black or white, rich or poor, farmers or businessmen," says Martha Sumler. ..."
Looking through the pictures - they are just everyday people.
Notice how they were almost lost.