Moneta J. Sleet Jr.
- Born:
- February 14, 1926, Owensboro, Kentucky, USA
- Died:
- December 23, 1996, Tarrytown, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Photojournalist
Early Life and Education
- Born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky.
- Attended Kentucky State College, graduating in 1947.
- Earned a Master's degree in journalism from New York University in 1950.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a sportswriter for the Amsterdam News.
- Joined Ebony magazine as a staff photographer in 1955.
- Known for his powerful and evocative images of the Civil Rights Movement.
- In 1969, Moneta J. Sleet Jr. became the first African American man to win the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography.
- The Pulitzer Prize was awarded for his photograph of Coretta Scott King at Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral.
- Covered major events including the Montgomery bus boycott, the March on Washington, and the Vietnam War.
Notable Works
- His photographs documenting the Civil Rights Movement are considered historically significant.
- Notable images include those of Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and other prominent figures.
- His body of work contributed significantly to the visual narrative of African American life in the 20th century.
Legacy and Impact
Moneta Sleet Jr.'s photography provided a crucial visual record of African American history and culture. He broke barriers in journalism and inspired generations of photographers. His Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph remains an iconic image of grief and resilience. He demonstrated excellence in photojournalism, his influence extending to diverse communities documenting significant moments. Many look to a detailed "biography on moneta sleet jr photos" to learn more about his impact.