1927 - Birth of Harlem Photographer Austin Hansen, Chronicler of Black New York

On May 27, 1927, Austin Hansen was born in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Hansen became one of the most prolific Black photographers of the 20th century, capturing over a million images that documented African American life in Harlem and beyond. From civil rights leaders and entertainers to local community members, Hansen’s lens preserved a visual archive of Black New York that spanned more than six decades. He was the first Black photographer hired by a major New York daily and maintained a studio in Harlem, often donating his work to schools and cultural institutions. Despite his profound impact, Hansen remains largely underrecognized in mainstream historical narratives. His archive, housed at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, is a vital resource for understanding the richness of Black life and culture in the 20th century. Hansen’s legacy endures as a visual griot of Black resilience and excellence.