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Magazine | Original Okie

Harold Dorsey

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Posted 03.02.12

When I first encountered Harold Dorsey, he wasn’t shining shoes at all. He was sitting high up in the chair usually reserved for his clients, reading a book on photography.

“You’d be surprised how much I’ve learned during my breaks over the years,” he chuckled with his weathered voice. Dorsey, 67, has been shining shoes at the court house for 16 years now, and is working his way through the last three months of his time there.

“Yeah, one of my favorite things about this job,” he told me, “is just watching and listening to the people. I experience these people, from all walks of life.”

As we casually took our time during the shoot, I could feel what he was saying. Passing by and interacting with Harold, who appears to be a favorite around the court house, were people who represented a microcosm of Tulsa in a beautiful way.

True Tulsa is a weekly project that highlights the people and places that make our city great.

Note: This article was originally published November 19, 2010

Comment

  • Larry White

    This is a wonderful portrait. There is so much expression in Mr. Dorsey’s face; we can all see what a kind and gentle man he truly is. Nice work Mr. Cooper.

  • Denis McGilvray

    Nice shot! I especially love the large version that appeared on the back page of the November issue of “This Land.” I had the pleasure of getting to know Harold Dorsey when I worked at the Media Center in the Central Library, right across from the Courthouse. He is an excellent photographer in his own right and a really fine human being.

  • Mb Greenwood

    When I was a runner for Riggs Abney, I saw and talked to Harold almost everyday.  He was always kind and talked to as many people as he could.  It made my day when I saw this article!