Roy DeCarava, pioneering African American photographer, was born in New York City. He became the first African American photographer to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1952. DeCarava used his lens to document the lives, dignity, and beauty of everyday Black Americans, particularly in Harlem. His work blended fine art with social commentary, capturing jazz legends, street life, and the quiet strength of Black communities.
His groundbreaking book, The Sweet Flypaper of Life (1955), with text by Langston Hughes, is a celebrated portrayal of Harlem life. DeCarava remains a monumental figure in both photography and African American cultural history.
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