Corky Lee

Corky Lee (1947–2021) was a groundbreaking Chinese-American photojournalist, activist, and documentary photographer who spent over fifty years chronicling the Asian-American experience and civil rights movement. Born in New York, Lee developed an early passion for photography and used it as a tool for social justice and community advocacy. His extensive body of work documents significant moments in Asian-American history, from community protests and cultural celebrations to political demonstrations and everyday life in ethnic communities. Lee was instrumental in preserving visual records of the Asian-American civil rights movement and served as a witness to and documentarian of countless important historical events. Beyond his photographic achievements, he was deeply committed to mentoring young photographers and activists, generously sharing his knowledge and experience. His work has been exhibited internationally and is held in major institutions including the Smithsonian. Lee received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to documentary photography and civil rights activism. His legacy extends beyond his photographs; he transformed how Asian-American communities see themselves represented in media and history. Corky Lee's dedication to capturing truth and amplifying marginalized voices made him an indispensable figure in both journalism and Asian-American activism.