Black History

James Van Der Zee: Black Photographer Who Chronicled Harlem’s Heyday

James Van Der Zee (1886–1983) would have two careers in photography: locally, as Harlem’s photographer during the 1920s and 30s, and nationally, when his works from the same decades were featured in the exhibition ‘Harlem on My Mind’ at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Published

3 years ago

February 20, 2022

Oakland Post

James Van Der Zee self-portrait, 1918. Public domain image.

By Tamara Shiloh

James Van Der Zee (1886–1983) acquired his first camera at about age 14. He’d won it as a premium for selling pink and yellow silk sachets. He used the small box camera to photograph anyone who could sit long enough for a portrait.

In a short time, he had taken hundreds of photos, making him the de facto town photographer. Each picture incorporated his own distinctive flair.

Earlier though, Van Der Zee, born in Lenox, Massacxhusetts, had expressed an interest and talent in music and aspired to a career as a violinist. In 1906, he relocated to New York City with his father and brothers. Skillful at both the piano and violin, he formed the group The Harlem Orchestra. Still, his heart was in photography.

Around 1909, he found work as a darkroom assistant at a small department store concession. Six years later, he relocated to Newark, New Jersey, where he worked as a darkroom assistant and then as a photographer in a portrait studio.

That was his break, but in an unexpected way. He knew it was time to leave when he was told by his boss that no one wants his or her photo “taken by a Black man.” So, in 1916, he returned to Harlem and opened his own portrait studio at a music conservatory on 135th Street founded by his sister, Jennie Louise. VanDerZee was on the brink of becoming the most successful photographer in Harlem.

Harlem’s population was booming and works of African American artists of all genres were being noticed. Uptown residents wanted portraits, and VanDerZee began to photograph schoolchildren, church groups, wedding couples, funerals, organized parades, and legendary figures of the Harlem Renaissance.

Two years later, Van Der Zee opened the Guarantee Photo Studio in Harlem. Through photographs, he chronicled Harlem residents and their celebrations and continued for the next 40 years.

Van Der Zee would have two careers in photography: locally, as Harlem’s photographer during the 1920s and 30s, and nationally, when his works from the same decades were featured in the exhibition ‘Harlem on My Mind’ at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The economic strains brought on by the Great Depression (1929–1941) caused Van Der Zee’s income, as well as that of his customers, to decline.

The popularity of personal cameras had increased, directly affecting the need for studio photography. For the next two decades, he shot passport photos, did photo restorations, and took on miscellaneous assignments. But another door would soon open.

In 1967, photographers and photo historians rediscovered Van Der Zee’s works. His images were on display in nationwide exhibits as well as being the subject of books and documentaries. Van Der Zee then came out of retirement to photograph the celebrities promoting his work.

Some critics felt that there was no place in an art museum for Van Der Zee’s photos. Still, the rediscovery made him famous. In 1993, the National Portrait Gallery exhibited his work as a posthumous tribute to his genius.

Read more about James VanDerZee with your children: “Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee!” authored by Andrea J. Loney with Keith Mallett as the illustrator.

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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

Published

2 days ago

May 25, 2025

Oakland Post

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OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Published

1 week ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

Rhonda M. Smith.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners

Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”

That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.

That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.

The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.

These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.

I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.

About the Author

Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.

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IN MEMORIAM: Nate Holden, State Senator and Longtime Los Angeles Councilmember, Dies at 95

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn described Holden as “a lion” in the State Senate and a force to be reckoned with on the Los Angeles City Council.” Hahn added that she learned a lot working with Holden when she was a new councilmember.

Published

1 week ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

Former Los Angeles Councilmember and California State Sen. Nate Holden. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Former Los Angeles City Councilmember Nathaniel “Nate” Holden, a prominent figure in the city’s politics, passed away at the age of 95, his family confirmed on May 7.

Holden, who represented South Los Angeles for 16 years on the City Council and served one term in the California State Senate, was widely regarded as a forceful advocate for his community.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn described Holden as “a lion” in the State Senate and a force to be reckoned with on the Los Angeles City Council.”

Hahn added that she learned a lot working with Holden when she was a new councilmember.

Holden’s journey to political prominence began in the segregated South, where he was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1929. He often recalled the childhood moment when he first heard the governor of Georgia vowing to continue suppressing Black people.

“Doing the best you can for the people. Law and order. Make sure that people’s communities are safe. I did it all,” said Holden, reflecting on his legacy.

Holden is survived by his sons, including former California Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represented a district in Southern California that includes Pasadena and Altadena in Los Angeles County and cities in San Bernardino County.