Out of work, out of luck, Harlem, New York City. 1963
ÒIn central Harlem at this time, an unemployment rate of one out of every four men was not uncommon. Limited
skills, poor schooling, racism, a downturn in the economy and the employersÕ preference for immigrants over blacks were some of the reasons these men were out of work. Often they squatted in abandoned buildings
and scavenged for survival. Neighbors might give them errands and little jobs to do in exchange for a meal.
Grinding poverty forced many men like these into despair, substance abuse, crime, apathy and rage.Ó
