Untitled, from the series “Gang Wars in Harlem, New York City”

This photograph is one of a series taken by Gordon Parks for a Life magazine story on gang violence in Harlem. Using the car window as a frame, Parks takes the position of an outsider looking at the Harlem neighborhood. Parks shows men and women walking on a sidewalk, though few of the figures interact. Debris on the street suggests the neglect that plagued the once vibrant neighborhood.

Parks worked for Life magazine from 1948 until 1961 during which time he covered poignant topics including the Civil Right Movement. While Parks made his living with photography, he also wrote novels and film scripts which he illustrated with his photographic work.