The UCLA Asian American Studies Center is deeply saddened by the passing of extraordinary artivist Corky Lee, the "unofficial Asian American photographer laureate" who died on January 27, 2021 from COVID-19. Corky is the most renowned Asian American photographer who documented and captured iconic images of the Asian American social movement and the struggles of people of color for more than a half century. His photos humanized academic articles and stories in several of our publications such as Asian Americans: The Movement and the Moment, Amerasia Journal, Speaking Out for Personal Justice and The New Face of Asian Pacific America.

We were fortunate to co-host him as our 2014 University of California Regents Lecturer, in which he exhibited his photos and discussed his work with the UCLA campus and Los Angeles public. Corky was a colleague and friend, whose remarkable collection of emotionally moving work continues to inspire. On February 6, 2021, a funeral procession for Corky Lee was held through several key locations in and around New York City's Chinatown. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. Rest in power and peace.

Former AASC staff members Russell Leong and Mary Uyematsu Kao shared these tributes to Corky Lee.

"Photographic Justice: To Honor Corky Lee"

Art by Russell C. Leong