Inspired by professor, author and sociologist Terry Williams' widely acclaimed book, "The Uptown Kids: Struggle and Hope in the Projects," this film tells the poignant story of nine young people, aged 12-26, who live in New York City's Harlem. Each uses a video camera to record his or her own struggles and successes over several months. Despite incredible challenges and negative influences around them, the youth of "Harlem Diary" manage to keep themselves focused and moving toward goals that include college, career, home ownership and better lives for their children.