Remembering Corky Lee: A Pioneer of Asian American Photography

Remembering Corky Lee: A Pioneer of Asian American Photography

Drayton Valley, Corky Lee, Asian American, photography, Vincent Chin, anti-Asian violence, social justice, representation, legacy

Remembering Corky Lee A Pioneer of Asian American Photography

On May 5, 2023, Google paid tribute to the late Corky Lee, a renowned Asian American photographer who captured the struggles and triumphs of Asian Americans throughout history. This article aims to shed light on the life and legacy of Corky Lee, and how his works have contributed to the Asian American narrative.

Early Life and Career

Born in Queens, New York in 1948, Corky Lee was the son of Chinese immigrants who operated a laundry business in Manhattan. Lee's interest in photography was piqued in high school, where he started taking pictures for the school newspaper. He later pursued his passion at Queens College, where he received a degree in Asian Studies.

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After college, Lee started working as a freelance photographer, documenting the lives of Asian Americans in New York City. He covered everything from protests against discrimination to cultural events, earning him the nickname "the unofficial Asian American photographer laureate." Lee was dedicated to telling the stories of his community, and his images reflected the diversity and complexity of Asian American life.

Career Highlights

Lee's most iconic work is arguably his coverage of the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American who was beaten to death in a racially motivated attack in Detroit. Lee was the only photographer at the scene, and his images of Chin's funeral and the subsequent protests helped bring attention to the issue of anti-Asian violence.

Throughout his career, Lee documented a wide range of Asian American experiences, from the struggle for civil rights to the celebration of cultural traditions. He was a regular contributor to Asian American publications such as the Village Voice and the Asian American Times, and his work has been exhibited in galleries across the country.

Legacy

Corky Lee's impact on Asian American photography cannot be overstated. He was a pioneer in his field, using his camera as a tool for social justice and representation. His images have helped shape the way Asian Americans are perceived in mainstream media, and have inspired a new generation of Asian American photographers to continue his legacy.

Lee passed away in January 2021 from COVID-19 complications. His death was a devastating loss for the Asian American community and the art world at large. However, his contributions will live on through his photographs, which serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the Asian American community.

Keywords: Corky Lee, Asian American, photography, Vincent Chin, anti-Asian violence, social justice, representation, legacy.

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