Elmer Simms Campbell is famous for his decades of work as an illustrator for some of the most popular U.S. periodicals, such as Esquire, Playboy, and Cosmopolitan,  during the mid to late 20th century.  In 1939, Campbell became the first black artist to have his work syndicated around the nation. Although his race was kept a secret in order to prevent any resistance by Southerners, King Features published Campbell’s comic strip in over 140 newspapers throughout the country. He was inducted to the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame in 2002.

Before Campbell became a successful artist and illustrator, he drew A Night-Club Map of Harlem in 1932 when he was looking for his first break. He identified the area’s attractions during the Harlem Renaissance,