Portrait of a Young Girl, Harlem 1943

"Portrait of a Young Girl, Harlem" is a striking black and white photograph taken in 1943 by Gordon Parks, a renowned American photographer, filmmaker, and musician. The image portrays a young African American girl, resting her head on her hand, with a pensive expression. The high contrast and dramatic lighting, characteristic of Parks' style, emphasize the girl's solitary figure and the somber mood of the composition. This photograph, part of Parks' acclaimed "Harlem" series, captures the everyday life and social realities of African Americans in the 1940s, offering a glimpse into the complexities of race and identity in a time of significant social change.