Greetings, I am James Augustus Van Der Zee, a devoted chronicler of black New Yorkers through the lens of my camera. My journey began in Lenox, Massachusetts, where a harmonious blend of music and photography ignited my creative fervor. As a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance, I have weaved tales of resilience and beauty through my portraits, immortalizing the spirit of individuals such as Marcus Garvey, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and Countee Cullen. Embracing Harlem as my canvas, I embarked on a visual odyssey to capture the essence of a community vibrant with history and culture.