35 Facts About Ernest Withers

Early Life and Background

Ernest Withers was a significant figure in American history, particularly known for his work as a photographer. His life and career offer a fascinating glimpse into the civil rights movement and the culture of the time.

1. Born on August 7, 1922, in Memphis, Tennessee, Withers grew up in a segregated society.
2. He was one of eight children in his family, which struggled financially during the Great Depression.
3. Withers attended Manassas High School, where he developed an interest in photography.
4. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he was trained as a photographer.

Career Beginnings

After the war, Withers returned to Memphis and began his career in photography. His early work laid the foundation for his later contributions to civil rights documentation.

5. He opened his first photography studio in Memphis in the late 1940s.
6. Withers initially focused on photographing local events, including weddings and graduations.
7. He also worked as a freelance photographer for various newspapers and magazines.
8. His first major assignment was covering the trial of Emmett Till's murderers in 1955.

Civil Rights Movement

Withers' work during the civil rights movement is perhaps his most well-known contribution. His photographs captured pivotal moments and figures in the struggle for equality.

9. He documented the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-1956, providing crucial visual evidence of the protest.
10. Withers photographed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on numerous occasions, including the 1968 sanitation workers' strike in Memphis.
11. He captured the integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957.
12. His images of the Memphis sanitation workers' strike became iconic symbols of the civil rights movement.
13. Withers was present at the Lorraine Motel on the day Dr. King was assassinated in 1968.

Cultural Impact

Beyond his work in civil rights, Withers also documented African American culture and everyday life, offering a rich visual history of the mid-20th century.

14. He photographed the Beale Street music scene, capturing legends like B.B. King and Elvis Presley.
15. Withers documented Negro League baseball, providing a rare glimpse into this important aspect of sports history.
16. His work includes images of the Memphis blues scene, featuring artists like Howlin' Wolf and Ike Turner.
17. Withers also captured the lives of ordinary African Americans, from church gatherings to family picnics.

Legacy and Recognition

Ernest Withers' contributions to photography and history have been widely recognized, though not without controversy.

18. In 2007, it was revealed that Withers had been an informant for the FBI during the civil rights movement.
19. Despite this, his photographs remain invaluable records of the era.
20. Withers' work has been exhibited in numerous museums, including the Smithsonian Institution.
21. He received the National Freedom Award in 1998 for his contributions to civil rights documentation.
22. The Ernest Withers Collection Museum and Gallery opened in Memphis in 2011, dedicated to preserving his legacy.

Personal Life

Withers' personal life was as complex and multifaceted as his professional one. He balanced his career with family responsibilities and community involvement.

23. He was married to Dorothy Curry Withers, with whom he had eight children.
24. Withers was deeply involved in his local church and community organizations.
25. He mentored young photographers, helping to nurture the next generation of African American artists.
26. Despite his busy career, Withers remained committed to his family, often involving them in his work.

Later Years and Death

In his later years, Withers continued to work and contribute to his community, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.

27. He continued to photograph significant events and figures well into the 1980s.
28. Withers published several books of his photographs, sharing his work with a broader audience.
29. He remained active in the Memphis community, often giving talks and lectures about his experiences.
30. Withers passed away on October 15, 2007, at the age of 85.

Posthumous Recognition

Even after his death, Withers' work continues to be celebrated and studied, ensuring that his contributions are not forgotten.

31. His photographs have been featured in numerous documentaries and films about the civil rights movement.
32. Withers' work is frequently cited in academic studies of American history and photography.
33. The Ernest Withers Foundation was established to preserve his legacy and support civil rights education.
34. In 2019, the city of Memphis renamed a street in his honor, recognizing his contributions to the community.
35. Withers' photographs remain a powerful testament to the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights era.

The Legacy of Ernest Withers

Ernest Withers left an indelible mark on history through his powerful photographs. Capturing pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement, his work offers a window into a transformative era. Withers' images of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Memphis sanitation strike, and everyday life in the segregated South continue to educate and inspire. His dedication to documenting these moments ensured that future generations would understand the struggles and triumphs of that time. Beyond his role as a photographer, Withers was a storyteller, preserving the voices and experiences of those who fought for equality. His legacy lives on, reminding us of the importance of standing up for justice and the power of visual storytelling. Through his lens, Withers not only recorded history but also helped shape it, leaving a lasting impact on American culture and civil rights.