It's Harlem, the year 1999. Thousands of people gather to show their support as the sun shines in their eyes and the men in blue line the streets. The people are screaming his name, Amadou, Amadou in a chant so loud and powerful that it penetrated all of Harlem. The Hearse speeds away with the dead body of Amadou Diallo, headed to the airport where his body will be returned back to his homeland and his roots, Africa. This is history in the making and photographer; Azim Thomas has captured in with his camera.

Over the years Thomas has proven himself to be a key player in presenting an accurate view of Black history via photography. He began recording various events starting in 1997 when his father passed away. After his fathers death he began to search for pictures of him so he would have something to show to his grandchildren but his mission was unsuccessful. "I can't let history pass me by again, never again" said Thomas. Since then he has become a photographer who has devoted much his of time to taking pictures of events that occur in Harlem or about the Black community.

Thomas's main focus is to create a better understanding for the future generations and beyond. "I want to depict the sadness, the anger, I get turned on by it. It's like a natural high," said Azim. In order to provide this better understanding he has made many sacrifices, gained extra knowledge about his community and joined organizations to better his understanding of the art of photography. Currently, he is an official member if N.A.N (National Action Network) which is headed by community leader Al Sharpton.

As a photographer, Thomas has begun to pay more attention to his surroundings. "The everyday person does not pay attention to there community enough," says Thomas while falling into a muse. He goes on to point out a painting in Harlem that he describes as racist. "On the corner of 120th street and Fifth Avenue there is a picture of a Black man serving a meal and next to this chef there are people dancing and enjoying themselves. They are white people." This painting that he points out is very old and could posses a historical mind set that has been embedded in the minds of Black people, which is to be of service to whites.