James Van Der Zee

Freedom of assembly is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, but that freedom has historically been limited for American citizens of color. Black Americans often have to justify their presence by being exceptional in every conceivable way. In Van Der Zee’s image of demonstrators, Marcus Garvey leads members of the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Garvey’s orderly African American participants contrast with the enraged white rioters in Garry Winogrand's photo (82.303.5). The sign reading “Impeach the Mayor” refers to New York mayor John V. Lindsey, who incurred the wrath of pro-war union laborers, sanitation workers, police, and others during his term.