NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Jack Thornell, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer celebrated for his striking images from the Civil Rights Movement, has passed away at the age of 86. He died on Thursday in a Metairie, Louisiana hospital due to complications from kidney disease, as confirmed by his son, Jay Thornell.
Thornell's formidable photography career spanned from 1964 to 2004 and was characterized by his commitment to documenting the fight for racial justice. His journey began on his very first day at the Associated Press (AP) when he covered the integration of a Mississippi Gulf Coast school, setting the stage for decades of impactful storytelling through his lens.
In June 1966, Thornell captured a historic moment while on assignment covering a civil rights march led by James Meredith. Meredith, a pivotal figure in desegregation efforts, was shot while encouraging Black citizens to register and vote. Thornell's powerful photographs from that day include the haunting image of a wounded Meredith grimacing in agony as he crawled to the road’s edge, and the Pulitzer-winning moment — Meredith looking back at his would-be assassin in a dramatic, sobering capture of the physical and emotional toll of the struggle for civil rights.
Thornell's talent shone brightly in other iconic moments of the era too, including his coverage of the 1964 murders of civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, James Chaney, and Andrew Goodman, whose story he brought to life through poignant visuals. Additionally, he documented Martin Luther King Jr. during pivotal events, including the Selma-to-Montgomery march in 1965 and moments leading up to King's assassination, ensuring that the voices of the movement were illustrated through his compelling images.
Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Thornell's entry into photography was serendipitous, born from a mix-up during his U.S. Army service that led him to a photographic school. Upon leaving the Army, he began his career with the Jackson Daily News before joining the AP.
Despite the fear of physical harm through various threats while working in a turbulent South, Thornell's greatest concern remained the need to capture the reality before him. 'The greatest fear for me was coming back without the photograph,' he once said, an embodiment of his dedication to his work.
Thornell is survived by his son Jay, daughter Candy Gros, and granddaughter. His impactful images will continue to inspire future generations and serve as vital reminders of the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
Thornell's formidable photography career spanned from 1964 to 2004 and was characterized by his commitment to documenting the fight for racial justice. His journey began on his very first day at the Associated Press (AP) when he covered the integration of a Mississippi Gulf Coast school, setting the stage for decades of impactful storytelling through his lens.
In June 1966, Thornell captured a historic moment while on assignment covering a civil rights march led by James Meredith. Meredith, a pivotal figure in desegregation efforts, was shot while encouraging Black citizens to register and vote. Thornell's powerful photographs from that day include the haunting image of a wounded Meredith grimacing in agony as he crawled to the road’s edge, and the Pulitzer-winning moment — Meredith looking back at his would-be assassin in a dramatic, sobering capture of the physical and emotional toll of the struggle for civil rights.
Thornell's talent shone brightly in other iconic moments of the era too, including his coverage of the 1964 murders of civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, James Chaney, and Andrew Goodman, whose story he brought to life through poignant visuals. Additionally, he documented Martin Luther King Jr. during pivotal events, including the Selma-to-Montgomery march in 1965 and moments leading up to King's assassination, ensuring that the voices of the movement were illustrated through his compelling images.
Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Thornell's entry into photography was serendipitous, born from a mix-up during his U.S. Army service that led him to a photographic school. Upon leaving the Army, he began his career with the Jackson Daily News before joining the AP.
Despite the fear of physical harm through various threats while working in a turbulent South, Thornell's greatest concern remained the need to capture the reality before him. 'The greatest fear for me was coming back without the photograph,' he once said, an embodiment of his dedication to his work.
Thornell is survived by his son Jay, daughter Candy Gros, and granddaughter. His impactful images will continue to inspire future generations and serve as vital reminders of the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
