A Photographer Captures The Perils, and Hopes, of Children Growing Up in The Bronx

Photographer Stephen Shames tells the story of a 1977 assignment to the Bronx, where he began photographing a group of boys coming of age in what was at the time one of the toughest and most dangerous neighborhoods in the United States. They lived in a "family" they created for protection and companionship on streets ravaged by poverty, drugs, violence, and gangs. Shames spent the next two-plus decades following the boys, as the crack cocaine epidemic devastated the neighborhood. His extended photo essay Bronx Boys, with contributions by Martin Dones and José "Poncho" Muñoz, chronicles their lives and the fights, shootings, arrests, and drug deals that left many of the young men dead or in jail.

Teenage boys jump into a public swimming pool at night. They climbed over the fence. 1984

(Stephen Shames)

Two teens wear stocking masks they use to hide their identity when they rob people. Bathgate Avenue. 1982

(Stephen Shames)

A friend helps 15-year-old Del shoot heroin on the roof. 1982

(Stephen Shames)

"Pilo Wall". Teenage boy with toy gun. His son is at left. Two teens kiss. 1985

(Stephen Shames)

Early in the morning, a 10-year-old boy sleeps on the fire escape, where he slept all night. Reminiscent of Weegee's hot summer photographs. 1989-91

(Stephen Shames)

Martin and his girl friend, who live together, in bed. 1984 - 85

(Stephen Shames)