Home Photo Gallery Classroom Documents Feature Group's "Toward a Harlem Document"
April 1939
Instead of assigning someone to review the "Harlem Document" exhibition, which closed on March 3, we are letting the people of Harlem give their comments as they wrote them down in the guest book. The show was held at the 135th St. Y.M.C.A., sponsored by the national Urban League. "Having carefully reviewed these exhibits, I was tremendously impressed with their realism. J. Rutledge." "The basic idea of this work is admirable and from this exhibition I feel that the work will be beneficial and peculiarly interesting to all types of people. Inge Sardison." A collection of documentary evidence that should move all to action. Ida Holden." "Excellent work--the unposed photographs have truly captured the spirit of Harlem. Photo #21 is an achievement. I would like to purchase a copy. Shmpert Loyan, Y.M.C.A." "The pictures are true and factual but why show one side of the life of Harlem; what about the intellectual and cultural side such as the thousands at night schools, the various churches and forums, the library and its avid readers, etc. B. Bryan." "This truly is a sincere expression of life in Harlem. Alfred L. Taylor." "For pictures of every day life in Harlem, I consider your exhibit the most natural and realistic that I have seen. Marium Bickford." "I am glad that an effort is being made to portray Harlem as it really is. I think these pictures are illustrative of certain phases of life in this great community, and with several additions go a long way to help along this most needed book. J. Noel." "As a Harlem resident I am deeply touched by this picturization of Harlem Life. Let us hope that this beneficial work will continue. A.V. Nealy." "These pictures speak volumes. We are interested in facts and here they are! H. F. Lucas, M.D." "Here's hoping these pictures open the eyes and pocketbooks of the lucrative exploiters of the poor; and lift part of our 1/10 out of the mire of degradation and corruption into the enlightenment of wholesome living. C. E. Sloan." "Very good pictures and unless they are used in the book, the book cannot possibly render much service. Three cheers for the Photo League. With these pictures and the reading matter in the book, Harlem will gain the respect of the city, county, state and Federal governments that it should have had years ago. Roland Nials." "Strong focus on slums, unemployment and other disgraceful conditions of the Harlemites in 1939, in contrast with opulence in other parts of the city. Plutocrats please note." "These pictures lack artistic value. They only show the lower living conditions of Harlem. Get pictures that will show Negroes in a better light. E. H. Davis."
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