“The Harlem, The Unmaking Of A Ghetto,” Book By Camilo José Vergara

November 6, 2018

Setting out with a 35 mm camera in 1970, urban sociologist, historian, and photographer Camilo José Vergara (How the Other Half Worships) photographed the New York neighborhood of Harlem for 43 years. This stunning volume The Harlem, The Unmaking Of A Ghetto describes the lives of Harlem’s buildings and the activities of its residents. MacArthur Fellowship recipient Vergara’s archival stills are full of movement; the historic Baby Grand becomes King Party Center, a gift store, and then a Radio Shack. An ordinary address, 65 East 125th Street, first photographed in 1977, is transformed over the course of 13 photographs, becoming the Grocery Candy Smoke Shop, then a Sleepy’s, and finally, in 2011, a church. Vergara’s omnivorous camera takes in the architecture of the neighborhood (monuments, luxury apartments, projects, churches), as well as its culture (street art, parades, Thanksgiving dinners). One can almost hear two women talking in a shot taken at Jimbo’s, and sense the thoughts of the 90-year-old woman listening to President Obama’s inaugural address. To experience Vergara’s photos is to live, for a spell, in Harlem. His text has similar immediacy: it’s pithy, engaging, and informative—a deft mingling of the personal and professional. “Unlike tourists taking snapshots,” Vergara writes, “people sense that I have a larger purpose.”

He does, indeed: to capture and preserve Harlem’s history, the losses, and the gains; this remarkable book does both. 268 color illus. (Jan.)

Price: $40.51


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Harlem World Magazine, 2521 1/2 west 42nd street, Los Angeles, CA, 90008, https://www.harlemworldmagazine.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
We're your source for local coverage, we count on your support. SPONSOR US!
Your support is crucial in maintaining a healthy democracy and quality journalism. With your contribution, we can continue to provide engaging news and free access to all.
accepted credit cards

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles