This series of photographs captures the life that is birthed from New York City’s transit system, a vital part to NYC’s residents. From the 1980s to the present day, Shabazz has photographed the people riding the subway, trains and buses, mainly focusing on Black individuals and the Black community. Aiming to preserve the beauty and integrity of people of all walks of life, the photo book shares the stories of these individuals as they travel through all five boroughs of the city.
Among the metal railings and graffitied walls, pictured are smiling faces, lovers kissing and friends laughing with one another. From Harlem to Queens, Shabazz photographs the authenticity presented by his subjects. A rose that grew from the concrete; each and every one of the subjects is just a flower blossoming in the harsh concrete of the city.