by Teju Cole
Photographer Zun Lee traveled across American cities from New York to Toronto between 2011 and 2014, documenting Black fathers with their children and families. His intimate black and white photographs capture everyday moments of connection and care in homes and communities often overlooked by mainstream media. Lee combines documentary photography with personal narrative to reveal the reality of Black family life. The work challenges persistent stereotypes about absent fathers while showing the depth of love and commitment present in these relationships. Through 61 carefully composed images, Lee creates a visual testimony that reshapes how we see Black fatherhood in America. The book includes texts by Teju Cole and afterword by Trymaine Lee, offering literary context to Lee's photographic vision.
Genres: family, african-american, non-fiction, 21st-century, photography
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, personal-narrative
Setting: America, New York, Toronto
Period: 2011-2014
Hardcover · Ceiba