Jacob Riis's Camera: Bringing Light to Tenement Children

Jacob Riis was determined to improve the living conditions of the poor-to fill their dark, ramshackle places with sunlight and soft, green grass. Places where children could play. After immigrating to New York City and working as a news reporter, Jacob was deeply affected by the poverty
surrounding him, especially in the tenements:

• Cramped rooms bursting with too many people
• Kerosene and mold stench choking the air
• Children playing in filthy streets

But how could Jacob inspire change? U...