The Unsung Hero Who Battled Asian American Discrimination One Photo at a Time

I first learned about Corky Lee through a conversation with a local activist called Liza Talusan, who spoke highly of his lasting impact and lamented his recent passing. Intrigued by his story, I spent the entire night after our conversation exploring his photos and interviews. As I browsed through the internet, I realized the profound impact of Corky's work in amplifying the Asian American voice. His notable photographs captured anti-Chinese violence, depicted the conditions in Chinatown, and documented anti-Asian hate protests from 1970 to 2000. Corky's work is special as no matter how small or big an event would be, he would always be there with his camera. Through my research, Corky's unwavering dedication empowered me. He exemplified the model of an unsung hero, working behind the scenes to pave the way for Asian Americans.