Men Seated Outside Scrap Lumber Yard, West Oakland, California c. 1963 - 1971

"Men Seated Outside Scrap Lumber Yard, West Oakland, California" is a black and white photograph by Joanne Leonard, taken sometime between 1963 and 1971. The image captures a scene of everyday life in West Oakland, California, showcasing a group of men sitting outside a lumber yard. Leonard’s work often explored social and economic conditions in her community, particularly in Oakland, and the photograph reflects this interest by depicting a typical day in the life of a working-class neighborhood. The photograph's composition emphasizes the contrast between the men's casual posture and the harshness of the industrial surroundings, making for a striking and evocative image.