Gordon Parks | A Harlem Family 1968

In 1968 famous photographer Gordon Parks produced a series of shocking photos chronicling the life of a Harlem family plagued by hard times. Parks set out to showcase an intimate look at what causes so much chaos in inner cities and the people who are directly effected by it. The Fontenelle family, Park's subjects, were essentially an attempt to shed understanding on a basic truth that families across America were trying to sustain a life for their families. During the month that Parks stayed with the Fontenelles, he was exposed to fights, domestic abuse, extreme poverty and the bond that held it all together.

Bessie Fontenelle holding her son Richard after being beaten by her Husband in a drunken rage.

          After this photo essay was published, readers of Life contributed so much that the family was able to get a new home and even employment for the Norman Fontenelle, the father. Unfortunately a house fire killed Norman Fontenelle and his 9 year old son Kenneth shortly after their move-in. After their tragic deaths, Bessie Fontenelle and the children moved back to Harlem where the children began a steady decline in the years to come. Overcome by drugs, poverty, AIDS, and mental illness, 6 of the 8 children died before the age of 30, the remaining child, Richard Fontenelle, lived to be 48 until suffering from a heart attack. 

          These images, although shocking to some, are still very much reality in many cities across America today. It is also interesting to note the the correlation between growing up under such rough circumstances and the future that so often accompanies it. In life we're taught that if you work hard you can achieve the picture perfect life but sometimes thats just not true. There's more to the equation than just hard work, a strong mental capacity, a true unwavering belief in self and a bit of luck also contribute to the lives we all dream of living. But how do you acquire the mindset and belief if you're born into a family that's already lost hope? Who then is responsible for teaching you that there is more beyond the limits of your own sight? For some, it's books, for others there's mentors but for many, far too many, theres nothing. That is why it is so important for the "Haves" to reach out to the "HaveNots" and get to know each other, to share stories and to encourage hope for a better tomorrow.