Read the book in 1977 and shared pictures and reading with my then 7 year old son- today he asked for a copy for his library. Seeing what people from his culture were able to accomplish at a time when many from all cultures were struggeling gave him a real sense of value that he never forgot. The book was borrowed from a Florida state supreme court judge who used the book as a point of reference in establishing worth of people from the Black culture when making judgments concerning Blacks. The book identifies Blacks who were instrumental in creating a well defined standard of living for Blacks.

This book illustrates the daily life of Harlem in the 1920's and 1930's. It gives the reader an examined persective of what it was like to be part of a community struggling to be heard. The photos of the funeral processions were especially heart grabbing! When this exhibit first showed at the Metropoliton Musuem it caused a great controversy. Many of the leaders of civil rights movement thought the photos were displaying black people as subjects not art. There were massive demostrations outside the museum to have it close. Many of the photos are still part of the museum's collection although they are not on display. this book offers great insight into the life of Harlem Renaissance. I also recommend, The Sleeper Wakes Edited by Marcy Knopf and A Renaissance in Harlem by Lionel C Bascom.These books offer additional information on what life was like during the New Negro Movement. A valuable art history lesson for us all.