MEMPHIS: UNEMPLOYED, 1938. Job applicants waiting outside the office of the State Employment Service in Memphis, Tennessee. Photograph by Dorothea Lange, June 1938

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MEMPHIS: UNEMPLOYED, 1938. Job applicants waiting outside the office of the State Employment Service in Memphis, Tennessee. Photograph by Dorothea Lange, June 1938

MEMPHIS: UNEMPLOYED, 1938.
Part of the daily lineup of unemployed men waiting outside the office of the State Employment Service in Memphis, Tennessee. Photographed by Dorothea Lange, June 1938

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Media ID 13216077

1938 Auto Black Dorothea Failure Fence Great Depression June Lange Memphis New Deal Recovery Sidewalk Summer Tennessee Unemployment Waiting Lineup Southeast

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful photograph captured by Dorothea Lange in June 1938 depicts the harsh reality of unemployment during the Great Depression. The image showcases a group of African American men patiently waiting outside the office of the State Employment Service in Memphis, Tennessee. The composition portrays a daily lineup, symbolizing the desperation and struggle faced by these individuals as they seek job opportunities. The men are lined up along a fence, their faces reflecting both hope and despair. They stand on a city sidewalk, surrounded by an atmosphere of early summer that contrasts with their somber expressions. Lange's lens captures not only the physical presence of these unemployed men but also hints at larger themes such as racial inequality and economic failure. It serves as a reminder of how deeply affected communities were during this tumultuous period in American history. As part of her work for the Farm Security Administration (FSA), Lange aimed to document social issues and promote awareness about poverty-stricken areas across America. This particular photograph is an iconic representation of her dedication to capturing human suffering amidst efforts towards recovery through programs like Roosevelt's New Deal. Through this print from Granger Art on Demand, viewers are transported back to 1938 Memphis, where unemployment was rampant and dreams were put on hold. It serves as a poignant reminder that even in times of hardship, resilience can be found within those who wait for better days ahead.

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