I'd love to know if this promotional photo of Johnny Davis appeared in a fitness or
bodybuilding magazine when it was made in the 1940s. It was rare, but not unheard of,
for African-American athletes to appear in interior picture features in those days,
but it much later before they were seen as cover men.
I should mention just how many physique photographers were equal-opportunity employers. I mean, when we get into the costumes era, some of the costumes are of course racist, but you could easily make a couple hundred bucks just taking off your clothes for the camera, and many places would list you so other "photographers" could schedule a "modeling" session, meaning gay guys will suck your cock and pay you $20 for the privilege.
ReplyDelete