Shoeshine Boys, Harlem 1939

"Shoeshine Boys, Harlem" is a 1939 black and white photograph by Sid Grossman, depicting two young boys working as shoeshine boys on a street corner in Harlem. The image captures the gritty reality of street life for working-class youth, emphasizing the stark contrasts of poverty and urban life. Grossman's focus on the boys' expressions and postures, as well as the simple tools of their trade, creates a sense of intimacy and empathy for their struggles. This photo is a powerful example of social documentary photography and captures a fleeting moment in the lives of these young entrepreneurs.