The Owensboro Legend Who Photographed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today, we honor one of the most influential leaders in American History. His words continue to inspire us today as we hope for a better future for all. Martin Luther King Jr's legacy lives on as we remember not just his powerful words, but his powerful actions.

His speeches were recorded. His letters were saved and shared far and wide. Just like you, I remember learning about MLK Jr. in school, of course. We listened to his "I Have a Dream" speech, wrote papers about the lunch counter sit-ins, and looked at pictures of the March from Selma.

We learned about Rosa Parks, the Big Six, Coretta Scott King, Mahalia Jackson, and other civil rights leaders. Sadly, there was one important yet invisible figure who, until now, has not been given his flowers. The man behind the camera, capturing history as it unfolded, was Owensboro native Moneta Sleet Jr.

I'm sure there are still some people who don't know about him. I didn't learn about him until he was added to the Owensboro High School Hall of Fame my freshman year. Honestly, it was also the first time I heard about his alma mater, Western High School, Owensboro's school for black scholars during segregation.

That was where he began his journey in photojournalism. Continuing to Kentucky University and New York University, he excelled in everything he did. After serving in WW2, he began working for Ebony magazine, taking pictures of iconic musicians and athletes like Muhammad Ali, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, and other historical figures before documenting the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

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Sleet traveled with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for 13 years. He wasn't just King's photographer. He was also his friend. Capturing not just the march from Selma to Montgomery and the I Have a Dream Speech in Washington, D.C., but his home life too. Candid moments that not many people got to experience, which captured the humanity and vulnerability of such a giant figure.

When you look at Moneta Sleet Jr's photos, you get an honest look at the sacrifice and passion of the Civil Rights movement. The dirty, worn shoes and blistered feet of Selma marchers. Women singing for peace in the rain. The hand-painted signs begged for equality and respect. Even the hateful faces of spectators wishing the marchers harm.

His most well-known photograph would be the one that earned him the Pulitzer Prize, a heartbreaking look at Coretta Scott King and little Bernice King at Dr. King's funeral. He was almost not allowed into the church to join the press pool because of segregation, but Mrs. King insisted.

There is so much more to tell about this highly-respected Owensboroan. He was fiercely dedicated to his family. His friends and peers think back on him fondly as a kind and generous collaborator. The type of man who deserves all the praise and recognition for helping us see through his unique perspective.

If you want to view Mr. Sleet's photos, this presentation shows some of them throughout his career that have now been archived. Celebrities, Civil Rights, African adventures, and beyond. (I would fast forward to the 5:30ish mark.

The Daviess County Public Library also has a book featuring his work.

You can also follow the Facebook page "Through Sleet's Eyes" to learn more about him and how local leaders are working to honor his legacy as the first black photographer to win a Pulitzer Prize. From producing and hosting documentary showings about Sleet's life called "A Fine Remembrance."

To commissioning a traveling portrait by local artist K.O. Lewis:

To hosting a festival featuring his work and celebrating local black history and culture:

To the dedication and updating of Moneta Sleet Jr. Park, just steps from where he was born.

Panels of his work were made to travel across the state so other Kentuckians can learn about Moneta Sleet, Jr., and the history he captured. Because of a gentle and compassionate man from Owensboro, KY, we can remember a more accurate representation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and the Civil Rights Movement.