The War Is Here: Newark 1967

The War Is Here is a collection of photographs by Bud Lee that capture the Newark uprising of 1967,a pivotal moment in a summer of protest and rage across the country. Lee's images show the city transformed into an urban war zone,with stores burned and looted,a city under siege by trigger-happy city and state police,and the National Guardsmen sent to patrol it. The photographs include the dramatic image of two policemen shooting a man named Billy Furr in the back,which ran on the July 28,1967 cover of Life and sparked a national conversation on race and police violence. Lee's images are a testament to the resilience and fortitude of the people of Newark.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 22 May 2023
Publisher: ZE Books

The War Is Here is a powerful and evocative collection of photographs by Life magazine photographer Bud Lee, documenting the Newark uprising of 1967. This pivotal moment in a summer of protest and rage across the country had far-reaching consequences, and its echoes can still be felt today.

On July 19, 1967, the city of Newark, New Jersey, erupted into chaos after the arrest, beating, and imprisonment of cab driver John Smith by local police. The already tense atmosphere escalated, leading to a five-day civic uprising that saw 26 people killed by police gunfire, hundreds more injured, thousands arrested, and millions of dollars in property damage caused. The scars of this event remained etched on the city for decades.

Bud Lee, a 26-year-old novice photographer for Life magazine, was called upon to cover the unfolding events in Newark. Lee and Life reporter Dale Wittner arrived to find a majority Black population struggling under a corrupt local government and a ruthless, authoritarian police force. The city was under siege, with stores burned and looted, city and state police trigger-happy, and National Guardsmen sent to patrol the streets day and night.

The War Is Here captures the several days Bud Lee spent in Newark, providing a stark and emotional account of life in a city transformed into an urban war zone. Lee's photographs vividly depict the chaos, destruction, and human suffering that unfolded during this period. He witnessed firsthand the cold-blooded murder of a man named Billy Furr by two policemen, and his dramatic images of this incident ran in Life magazine. The same bullets also hit and wounded a 12-year-old boy named Joey Bass Jr., who had been playing at a nearby intersection. Lee's stark, emotional image of Bass, lying bleeding and contorted in pain on dirty concrete, ran on the July 28, 1967, cover of Life, sparking a national outcry and drawing attention to the ongoing struggle for civil rights in the United States.

The War Is Here is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of documenting history and preserving the memories of those who have been marginalized and oppressed. Lee's photographs have the power to evoke empathy, compassion, and a sense of urgency, inspiring us to continue the fight for justice and equality.

In conclusion, The War Is Here is a remarkable collection of photographs that captures the essence of a pivotal moment in American history. Through Bud Lee's eyes, we are given a glimpse into the lives of those affected by the Newark uprising and the broader struggle for civil rights. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history of this country and the ongoing fight for social justice.

Weight: 1411g
Dimension: 303 x 244 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781736309360