Don Hogan Charles, First Black Photographer for The NY Times & Creator Of the Iconic Malcolm Ex Window Photo Has Died

A journalistic icon, storyteller, and legend are just a few terms used to describe the man who chronicled black lives, created compelling photos, and captured images through lenses that literally made you stop, think and feel the essence of black life here in America. Don Hogan Charles made his mark in history by giving us some of the most iconic and beautiful photos that left an impression in the black history.

Don Hogan Charles was the first black photographer hired by The New York Times. He gave us one of the most famous photos or our era, the Malcolm X at the window photo. New York Times former staff writer, Rachel Swarns tweeted the news this past weekend.

Don Hogan Charles, the first black staff photographer to be hired by the NYTimes, has died. He shot amazing photos: this iconic image of Malcolm X for Ebony magazine, beautiful photos of Harlem, where he lived, and so many more. RIP (1/2) pic.twitter.com/lakp1TVrNw

— Rachel Swarns (@rachelswarns) December 24, 2017

On December 15, 2018 Don Hogan Charles’ niece announced his death, stating that the family was not yet sure of the cause. Mr. Charles, a title respectfully used by The NY Times, was with the publication for more than 40 years. During his time there, his job was to photograph a broad range of subjects, from local hangouts, to celebs, to fashion, and the United Nations. But of course, he is best known for his photos during the Civil Rights era, which earned him early acclaim as a photographer.

“He felt that his responsibility was to get the story right, that the white reporters and white photographers were very limited,” Mr. Higgins, who retired in 2015, said in a telephone interview.

Times staffers described Charles as very private, perhaps coming off as standoffish to some; however, many women at the NY Times described him as a big brother and a supportive mentor. In the Christmas Day issue of TNYT, they finally published their obituary for Mr. Charles. Former staff photographer, Michelle Agins stated, “He was definitely the guy to have on your team. He wouldn’t let other people bully you.” Mr. Charles was known for standing up for many of the female photographers; this is attributed to the fact that perhaps he knew what it felt like to be a part of the underrepresented inside of the workplace.

On Christmas night, The NY Times published their official obituary on Don Hogan Charles; read it here. In it, they detail more of his iconic work and photography. They also delve in to some of his more emotional and dangerous assignments, from having to enter into the back of a NY city store during the Civil Rights era, to having to check his tail pipe while covering the Civil Rights movement in the deep south.

What most may not realize, is that if you’re a fan of hip hop, many of his photos have inspired many hip hop album covers.

#SeeDemFakeLeaders pic.twitter.com/jXDXazk9tr

— Ziggy Marley (@ziggymarley) August 16, 2017

Hogan is truly a journalistic icon whose work will live forever. He literally risked his life to tell the stories of black lives, through timeless images; in a beautiful way that only a man of this talent could do. We are honored to have been witnesses to his remarkable work. Rest in Peace Mr. Charles.