James Van Der Zee was a renowned African American photographer known for his striking portraits that captured the vibrancy and elegance of Black life in the early to mid-20th century. Born in Lenox, Massachusetts in 1886, Van Der Zee began his photography career in the 1910s.

He opened his own studio in Harlem, New York in 1916, which quickly became a popular destination for Black New Yorkers looking to have their portraits taken. Van Der Zee's studio was known for its high-quality and artistic photographs, and he was especially skilled at capturing the unique personalities and stories of his subjects.

Van Der Zee's work became iconic during the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement that celebrated Black art, music, and literature in the 1920s and 1930s. His portraits of prominent figures such as Marcus Garvey, Billie Holiday, and Count Basie helped to shape the visual representation of the Harlem Renaissance and Black excellence during that time.

Van Der Zee's photographs are not only valuable as historical documents but also as works of art that continue to inspire and resonate with audiences today. He passed away in 1983, leaving behind a powerful legacy as a pioneering Black photographer whose work continues to be celebrated and honored in the history of Black excellence.