Books, Film, Photography Brooklyn Teen Gang, The Jokers, 1959
In 1959 there were about 1000 gang members in and around the streets of New York City, primarily troubled teenage males from the outer boroughs. That spring, up-and-coming photographer Bruce Davidson read an article about the street violence in Prospect Park and decided to document this rebellious youth lifestyle, just a bridge away.
Connecting with a social worker for initial contact, Davidson embedded himself in the Jokers quickly becoming a daily observer with the ability to chronicle their dark and secretive culture. For several months he followed the Jokers around their turf throughout Prospect Park , Helen's Diner and Coney Island hangouts.
As he would later pen for his Magnum Photos book " I met a small group of teenagers called the Jokers, I was 25 and they were 16. I could have easily been taken for one of them."
Images Bruce Davidson
Reader Comments (4)
Remarkable.
Damn cool, can I say that? Will this even get printed?
This is truly great. I've actually heard the stories in my neck of the woods but until hadn't seen the photos, which are remarkable. I've never been exposed to this side the 50's. Someone out there should make a movie about this.
I'm such a ( new ) fan of the American Project, always impressed with the content. I'm now looking frantically for a clean copy of Bruce Davidson's book, these photos are stunning and for me a little scary.