In brief
Jack Thornell, the renowned photographer whose work became synonymous with the American Civil Rights Movement, has died at the age of 86 in New Orleans. Thornell's illustrious career spanned four decades with the Associated Press, where he documented key events in the ongoing fight for racial justice. Best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning image of James Meredith after a shooting in 1966, Thornell's work is characterized by its raw power and poignant historical significance. Throughout his career, he captured moments of both triumph and tragedy, contributing profoundly to the visual narrative of civil rights in America.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Jack Thornell, a former Associated Press photographer whose Pulitzer Prize-winning depiction of James Meredith, shot on a Mississippi highway in 1966, has died at age 86 due to complications from kidney disease. Thornell's career began at the Associated Press in 1964, and he quickly became known for his work covering the Civil Rights Movement. One of his most notable assignments was capturing the 'March Against Fear' led by James Meredith, a historic figure who successfully integrated the University of Mississippi. A haunting photograph taken during this event shows Meredith looking back at his shooter while struggling for safety. Thornell also photographed critical moments in the movement, including the aftermath of violence against civil rights workers in Mississippi and Martin Luther King Jr.'s marches. His ability to convey the emotional weight of his subjects earned him respect and accolades, culminating in the Pulitzer Prize in 1967 for the image of Meredith's shooting. Throughout his career, Thornell faced numerous challenges and dangers while documenting the strife and struggle for racial equality. He is remembered for his commitment to providing an honest portrayal of the turbulent times in the South. Thornell is survived by his children and a granddaughter, leaving behind a legacy captured in powerful imagery that reflects a pivotal era in American history.
