Robert and Tolbert Small, studio portrait

In this photo Tolbert Small appears at left. He writes: "My parents gave this picture of me and my older brother, Robert, (June 13, 1939-March 5, 2003) to all of our aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Growing up in the "black bottom" section of Detroit, Robert was my best friend. He was the first Negro admitted to integrate the Jesuit high school in Detroit. He was at one time a brilliant scholar, athlete, artist, and musician. However, racism and drugs lit a rage within him that exploded, leading to his self-destruction."