NEW YORK — Congressman Charles Rangel hailed the debut of a new photography exhibit honoring the work and influence of photographer Eugene "Kwame" Gervin as a fitting tribute to someone who inspired a new generation of socially conscious artist-activists.

"Kwame's legacy endures beyond the scenes and subjects that he chose to photograph because he of his keen ability to tap the imagination of others," said Rangel. "He challenged those behind the camera to not just be inert chroniclers of the world around them but to be active change makers and leaders."

Work from the group of 25 photographers that Gervin inspired, also formally known as the New Harlem Renaissance Photographers (NHRP), is currently on exhibit at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture through June 30, 2011. (A list of the 25 photographers is attached.)

"These pictures capture the spirit of Harlem over the years. They provide a deep sense of connection between young people and experiences from our history that they may have only heard about," said Rangel.

New York State Senator Perkins, whose office helped fund the exhibit, agreed.

"We are honored to sponsor this exhibit in recognition of photographers that over the years have been documenting the daily life of African American culture." said Perkins. "We look forward to establishing a mentoring program for those inspired by this photography to continue the legacy into the future."

Congressman Rangel thanked all those who helped organize the exhibit, including Gervin's long-time special assistant Omowale Clay.

"Special thanks has to go Omowale Clay, for organizing this great group of warriors with cameras. They captured though their own lenses, the images and depictions of Harlem life and the African Diaspora," Rangel commented. "At the end of the day, Kwame was a mighty warrior with a camera, and a tall silent warrior of a man, who was always on the scene of every political demonstration, rallies for social justice and important historic events. Each flash of his camera created an album of not just protest and outrage, but also of unity and solidarity that will be forever documented and continued through the work of the New Harlem Renaissance Photographers."

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New Harlem Renaissance Photographers


Kenneth Bazemore
Kwame Brathwaite
Lamar Burroughs
Jimbe Carroll
Howard Cash
Riger Hayden Celestin
Omowale Clay
Juanita M. Prince Cole
Larl Krutchfield
Mamadou Dabo
Isseu Diof
Lisa Dubois
Ronald Herard
Bill Moore
Hakim Innis Mutlaw
Lem Perterkin
Lance Ramsey
Tyrone Rasheed
Jewel Smith
Kenya Smith
Melvin Taylor
Beverly Terry
Azim Thomas
June DeLarirre
Shawn Walker
E. Lee White