Installation Images

A Ballad for Harlem examines several strands of Black placemaking in the 20th century, offering views of residents and institutions committed to community, innovation, education, fervent political engagement, cultural affirmation, global perspectives, and creativity. Exhibition highlights include the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the Speakers Corner, items from the recent acquisitions of artist and activists Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis and author Ann Petry, artwork by contemporary Nigeria-based artist Modupeola Fadugba featuring Harlem Honeys and Bears, Harlem's daughter and tennis champion Althea Gibson, sculptures by Augusta Savage, and street scene photography of 1930s Harlem. Over the century that the Schomburg Center has borne witness to Harlem's evolution, A Ballad for Harlem offers contemplation now in the midst of gentrification as new comers and long-time residents navigate the liminal space--a transition between what was and what is to come.