Untitled (Bed-Stuy, New York) c. 1960s

This black and white photograph of Bed-Stuy, New York, was taken by Herbert Randall. The image depicts a young girl walking down the steps of a building, with murals visible in the windows beside her. The murals, evocative of religious iconography, offer a striking contrast to the fire escape ladder looming above. The photograph captures a moment in time, but also hints at the socio-economic realities of urban life. Bed-Stuy, like many neighborhoods in New York, has undergone significant changes. By looking at census data, historical societies, and archives, we can trace how communities evolve, and how artistic expression reflects these transformations. Photographs like this one can serve as invaluable tools for understanding the complexities of social history and the impact of urban change.