Home Boys

Homeboys: Portraits of Young Men Growing Up in New Haven

Homeboys is a collection of interviews with and portraits of teenage boys growing up in New Haven in the early 90s made by the teacher Deborah E. Hare (all of the boys in the book attend the school at which she teaches - High School in the Community) and photojournalist Dru Nadler in response to 50 boys between the ages of 14 and 25 being fatally shot in the city in the previous three years.

They describe their project as one which ‘records the thoughts, dreams, and fears of teenage boys in 1992. ”We see this book as a way to share a part of these boys’ lives with those people who live outside the city, and with those who have no contact with teenagers. We believe this lack of contact has led to negative stereotypes about teenagers, especially boys. Hearing them speak and seeing their faces will, we hope, help break down some of those stereotypes.”

One of the intended contributors, Albert, was killed in a drive-by shooting before the interview could take place and his portrait taken. Included instead is a letter written to Albert from one of his classmates:

“I remember you outside cooking them greasy ass hamburgers. I was plottin’ our a plan so I could steal one. So I limped our from the third floor with my sprained ankle and moved up on you real slow ready to make my move. You turned around and caught me and laughed. You gave me my cheeseburger and I smiled ear to ear. Then you told me your famous line, ‘Tara girl, you crazy!’ Then smiled back with the smoke all in your face [...] Ya know something, Al? I realise why I can’t accept the fact you’re dead. It’s because you’re not. In my heart and in my mind the memory of you will live on 4-ever. You are a true homeboy. Somebody I could turn to when I had a tight problem. Al, I’m not going to say goodbye, but I will say sleep tight and stay cool.

Your homegirl,
Tara”

Softcover, first edition. A little worn as pictured but in good condition overall. 1993.