The iconic imagery surrounding the civil rights movement, while problematic for some, is unquestionably powerful, especially for those of us who weren’t around to witness this important chapter in American history firsthand. These pictures not only made plain the gross inequality between races in our country; in many cases, they served as the much-needed public awareness catalyst needed to pass vita legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In honor of Martin Luther King Day, we’ve rounded up a handful of important photographers from the era, along with some of their most iconic shots. Feel free to keep our list going in the comments!
Bill Hudson
Associated Press photographer Bill Hudson is perhaps best known for capturing this galvanizing image of Parker High School student Walter Gadsden being attacked by police dogs in Birmingham, Alabama on May 3, 1963; a three column-spanning version of the shocking photo ran above the fold in The New York Times the following day.
Comments (20)
You forgot about Steve Schapiro! http://steveschapiro.com/
Honorable mention to Matt Lewis, pulitzer prize winner for his civil rights photography and snappy dresser. http://www.ourstate.com/matthew-lewis
Great collection. I would include Frank and Decarava too:
http://theselvedgeyard.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/18_robert-frank_trolley-new-orleans_1955.jpg
http://www.mocp.org/collections/permanent/decarava_roy.php
Thx for this
Interesting that 90 percent of the photographers listed here are white. The one African-American was also an FBI informant. Great way to emphasis the far reaching impact of the civil rights movement.
Correction… emphasize
All important photographers. Don’t forget Benedict Fernandez, and his book “Countdown to Eternity.”
All important photographers. Don’t forget Benedict Fernandez & his book “Countdown to Eternity.”
Wonderful post. Incredible to think this was less than 50 years ago in our own country…
Preston Ewing, Jr deserves one of these spots. His photographs of the struggle in Cairo, IL are collected in the book, Let My People Go: Cairo, IL 1967 – 1973, edited by Jan Peterson Roddy.
Surely a bit more robust digging could have turned up more black photographers. It’s still true that history belongs to those who write it.
You could also include the “I AM A MAN” photo. The statement of humanity in it is powerful.
I’m glad to see you included Dan Budnik, as he’s likely one of the most ‘elusive’ of photographers who documented this period. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Dan’s images often transcend the events at hand, revealing how human we all are. Thank you for including Dan. Many younger picture editors aren’t aware of the depth and scope of his work.
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/nixon-mlk-e1326717192441.jpg
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s meeting with Vice President Richard Nixon in 1957. They met on Capitol Hill for a discussion of ways to overcome Democrat opposition to the Republican civil rights agenda. That’s something that you won’t hear about today from the liberal media.
What was it that LBJ stated when he signed the Republican Civil Rights Act??? Something about keeping “those people” (or some other derogative) voting Democrat for the next 200 years?
Phil Sandlin, UPI.
http://pksandlin.com/p36097519/h310C9D8D#h310c9d8d
What abt Spider Martin? What about Hosea Williams, John Lewis, et al on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday without which there would have been a Selma o Montgomery march?
burk uzzle and gordon parks could also be on this list. could have been 20 best.
If we are adding to this strong collection, Life photographer Paul Schutzer’s photographs from inside the Freedom Rider’s bus to Jackson and the days in hiding with the riders could be noted. Also his images from the Prayer Pilgrimage.
I’m not here to be Political…I’m just looking at artistic skill. Gene Herrick’s Photo capture’s a brief tender moment between a leader and his wife during a turbulent time in our society. It’s a rarity to see that even though it was just a kiss on the cheek.
This is a great collection. I have only seen 2 of them before. I also wanted to mention that as a little girl I thought that “Colored Only” areas meant that that area was painted nicely. I wondered why anyone would not want to go to a colored room.
ESSENTIAL: Flip Schulke http://www.flipschulke.com/about/
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