Discover the life and work of legendary photographer Corky Lee, who passed away recently, and learn how he used his camera to capture the Asian American experience.
Corky Lee was known as the "undisputed unofficial Asian American photographer laureate," and his photos have been published in numerous publications, including The New York Times.
Lee was born in Queens, New York, and became interested in photography while studying at Queens College in the 1960s.
Lee's photography focused on documenting the experiences of Asian Americans, including their struggles for equality and their contributions to American society.
Lee's iconic photograph, "The Lasting Impact of Yellow Peril," depicted a group of Asian Americans standing in front of a statue of George Washington, challenging the perception that Asian Americans were perpetual foreigners.
Lee also worked as a community organizer and advocate, fighting for the rights of Asian Americans and other marginalized communities.
Lee's work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Pioneer Award from the Organization of Chinese Americans and the George W. Bush Institute's Freedom Award.
Lee's passing in early 2021 was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from across the country, highlighting the impact his work had on generations of Asian Americans.
Lee's legacy continues through the Corky Lee Foundation, which supports emerging photographers and carries on his commitment to documenting and elevating the Asian American experience.
Through his photography and activism, Corky Lee left a lasting impact on the Asian American community and the broader struggle for social justice, inspiring future generations to continue the fight.