Corky Lee was an American photographer who was known for his stunning images capturing the Asian American experience. He was born on May 25, 1948, in Queens, New York City, and grew up in the Chinatown neighborhood. Lee's interest in photography began in high school, where he worked as a photographer for the school newspaper. After high school, he went on to study at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
Lee's photography career started in the 1970s when he began photographing the Asian American community in New York City. His work captured the everyday life and struggles of Asian Americans, including immigrants, activists, and working-class people. Lee was passionate about documenting the Asian American experience and wanted to make sure that their stories were heard.
One of Lee's most famous photographs is the "Miss Chinatown U.S.A." image, which was taken in 1973. The photograph depicts a young Chinese-American woman wearing a traditional dress and holding an American flag. The image became iconic and was used in various publications and exhibits.
Throughout his career, Lee continued to document the Asian American community's struggles and triumphs. He covered issues such as the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American who was beaten to death by two white men in Detroit, and the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which had a significant impact on the Korean American community.
Lee's work has been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Time magazine, and the Village Voice. He has also been the subject of several documentaries, including "Corky Lee: Behind the Camera" and "Corky Lee: The Power of the Image."
Aside from his photography work, Lee was also a passionate activist for the Asian American community. He was involved in various organizations, including the Asian American Arts Alliance and the Asian American Journalists Association. Lee's activism and photography work helped to raise awareness of the Asian American community's struggles and their contributions to American society.
Tragically, Corky Lee passed away on January 27, 2021, at the age of 72 due to complications from COVID-19. His passing was a significant loss for the Asian American community and the photography world.
In conclusion, Corky Lee's legacy as a photographer and activist for the Asian American community is a significant contribution to American history. His images captured the struggles and triumphs of the Asian American experience, ensuring that their stories are heard and remembered for generations to come. Corky Lee's work remains an inspiration for many photographers and activists who continue to fight for social justice and equality in America.
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