Virginia State University alum Samia Minnicks is a full-time entrepreneur running a photography business, but she doesn’t simply seek out picture-perfect shots. Instead, she dedicates significant time to unearthing old photographs. Right now, she is especially interested in photos tied to Historically Black Colleges and Universities from the late 1800s and early 1900s that are overlooked due to their weathered conditions. Minnicks digitally restores these damaged and faded images to their original glory.
“Restoring those images gives life to the visual documentation of that strength, and there’s something powerful about seeing the pride and dignity on the faces of those who paved the way,” Minnicks explained.
HBCU Photo Restoration Series
@theblackphotovault It’s homecoming season and I’m taking it all the way back to where it started! This Friday, I’m launching a special HBCU photo restoration series that’s all about honoring our early history and preserving the legacy that paved the way. 🎓 From the archives to your timeline— Who’s ready to see some history brought back to life? Stay tuned & make sure you’re following @theblackphotovault for more! #TransformationTuesday #VSU #HBCULegacy #BlackHistory#HBCU #HBCUHomecoming #OurHistoryMatters #HowardU #HBCUPride #PhotoRestoration #BlackExcellence
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With homecoming season upon us, Minnicks has launched a special HBCU series on social media to showcase revitalized images from different universities during their early years. She has already restored more than 50 photos from 25 institutions.
“My hope is that this series not only reaches alumni but also sparks curiosity in younger generations. I want it to be a way to bridge the past with the present while celebrating our unique legacy,” explained Minnicks. “HBCU history is Black history, and preserving these images helps us honor that.”
She will share her work on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, where she has nearly 40,000 followers across all three platforms. She is eager to receive photos from HBCU students, alums, and communities while connecting with historians, museums, and HBCUs to ensure that captured memories are preserved for future generations.
“It’s like creating a collective photo album of Black culture,” said Minnicks. “These images allow us to see where we’ve come from, the faces that were instrumental in shaping our culture, and they help future generations build on that legacy.”
The Big Picture
Photos from the Jim Crow era, which capture the resilience and determination of Black people and the flourishing of HBCUs that provided vital educational opportunities, hold special significance for Minnicks.
“HBCUs have been crucial to the Black experience, but so many of the photos from these institutions—and historic images of Black people in general—are at risk of fading away due to poor preservation or lack of archiving,” said Minnicks. “Restoring these photos gives me the chance to creatively bring our history back into focus, blending my passion for photography, Black history, culture, and art all in one.”
Minnicks describes photo restoration as “a labor of love” that requires technical skill and immense patience. She digitizes the photos and then uses software to fix discoloration, remove scratches, and reconstruct missing parts. Unfortunately, some cherished images are too damaged for her to restore fully.
A Lifelong Connection
For the former VSU Gospel Chorale singer, being part of the choir was a significant aspect of her HBCU experience, deepening her connection to her alma mater and its community. She is particularly drawn to photos that tell the stories of the student life of other HBCU students over the decades. This includes those related to student unions, Greek organizations, leadership, and community involvement.
“It’s incredible to see photos of buildings and areas I’ve walked around, knowing students did the same 100 years ago. The stories behind these photos, like students walking miles just to attend class, or faculty women being the first to vote in their city, make you realize just how significant education was in the fight for equality,” said Minnicks. “They go beyond education and capture leadership, cultural traditions, and evolution, from hairstyles to clothing.”
Minnicks studied business management at VSU, and her photography business, Samia Minnicks Photography, focuses on celebrating light and color—whether through restoring old photos, photographing weddings, or capturing new beginnings. Outside of photography, her dream is to open an aquatic center emphasizing water safety in communities of color.
Those interested in sharing throwback photos with Minnicks can submit them to The Black Photo Vault on Facebook.
