James Van Der Zee was a renowned African American photographer known for his portraits of black New Yorkers during the Harlem Renaissance in the early 20th century. Born in Lenox, Massachusetts in 1886, Van Der Zee moved to New York City in 1906 and opened his own photography studio in Harlem in 1916.

Van Der Zee's photography captured the vibrancy and creativity of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement among African Americans in Harlem during the 1920s and 1930s. He was known for his skill in capturing his subjects with dignity and grace, highlighting the beauty and elegance of the black community.

Van Der Zee's work often featured prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance, including musicians, actors, and writers, as well as everyday people in the community. His photographs became iconic images of the era and have been highly influential in shaping our understanding of African American history and culture during that time.

In addition to his studio portraits, Van Der Zee also documented important social and political events in Harlem, such as parades, protests, and community gatherings. His photography serves as a valuable historical record of the African American experience in the early 20th century.

Van Der Zee's work fell out of favor during the Great Depression and the following decades, but experienced a resurgence of interest in the 1960s as scholars and historians rediscovered his important contributions to Black history and culture. James Van Der Zee passed away in 1983, but his legacy lives on through his powerful and captivating photographs.