A truly remarkable person, Corky Lee dedicated his life to using his camera to document the lives and experiences of Asian Americans. He was the second child of Lee Yin Chuck and Jung See Lee, who had emigrated from China to the United States and was born on September 5, 1947, in Queens, New York City.
His mother worked as a seamstress, and his father, a World War II veteran of the US Army, owned a laundry. Lee, who had three younger brothers and three sisters, graduated from Jamaica High School before enrolling in Queens College to study American history in 1965.
Corky Lee first became passionate about photography when he learned how to operate a camera by borrowing tools because he could not afford to buy his own. A picture he saw in a social studies textbook of the opening of the transcontinental railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869 served as the inspiration for his artwork.
The image only featured white laborers, despite the fact that the construction project employed thousands of Chinese workers. This insight sparked Lee’s desire to use his camera to document the experiences and stories of Asian Americans that are frequently ignored or underrepresented in the media.
As an American-born Chinese from New York City, Corky Lee identified himself as a “ABC from NYC” who used his camera to expose the injustices that Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) had to endure. He referred to himself as the “unofficial Asian American Photographer Laureate” and worked to incorporate Asian-American history into the larger story of America. In order to promote greater understanding and recognition for these communities, Lee’s work explored the diversity and subtleties of Asian American culture.
He left behind an extensive photo collection and a stirring message that still motivates people to fight against discrimination and systemic injustice.
Meet Corky Lee Wife, Margaret Dea
Margaret Dea, Corky Lee’s wife, had a significant impact on both his personal life and professional photographic career. Regrettably, Margaret lost her battle with cancer in around 2001. Even though Corky undoubtedly experienced a difficult and emotional period following her passing, he persisted in using photography to promote social justice and record Asian Americans’ experiences.
Corky Lee remained committed to his work and his community despite the loss of his beloved wife. His dedication to fostering a better understanding and appreciation of Asian American culture and his passion for photography never wavered.
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