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

Joanne Leonard made this photograph of men seated outside a scrap lumber yard in West Oakland, California. The image presents a striking contrast. In the foreground, we see a group of men, likely laborers, resting amidst discarded materials. This intimate scene is set against the backdrop of a lumber yard, overflowing with what appears to be waste. The photograph invites us to consider the social and economic conditions of West Oakland, a historically working-class area, perhaps from the 1960s or 70s. The lumber yard itself suggests a local economy reliant on manual labor and resource extraction. The men's attire and postures speak to a culture of working-class solidarity and resilience, while the yard's disarray subtly critiques environmental waste. Leonard’s framing suggests the politics of labor and urban space. Understanding the full implications of this image requires delving into the history of West Oakland, through city archives and local histories, to grasp the economic forces and social dynamics at play during the time. It also requires exploring the photographer's other work to understand her artistic and political project.