Who Is Corky Lee? Know about the Legendary Activist
by Swetha P
Updated May 08, 2023
Who is Corky Lee?
Corky Lee, born on September 5, 1947, in Queens, New York City, was the second child of Lee Yin Chuck and Jung See Lee. His parents were immigrants from China, with his father having served in the US Army during World War II and later owning a laundry business, while his mother worked as a seamstress. Corky grew up with three younger brothers, John, James, and Richard, and an older sister named Fee.
After attending Jamaica High School, Corky went on to study American history at Queens College in 1965, where he developed an interest in photography. Despite not being able to afford his own camera, Corky taught himself the craft by borrowing cameras from others. His work as a photographer was inspired by an 1869 photograph.
He saw in a social studies textbook that depicted only white laborers in a photo celebrating the completion of the transcontinental railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah, despite the fact that thousands of Chinese workers had contributed to the construction project. This experience instilled in Corky a desire to document and celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of Asian Americans in American history and culture through his photography.
Young Corky Lee was a Chinese-American who wore many hats, including being an activist, community organizer, photographer, and journalist. He referred to himself as the "unofficial Asian American Photographer Laureate" and used his camera to fight against injustices faced by the Asian Pacific American community. Born in New York City, he was proud of being an "ABC" (American-born Chinese) and dedicated his life to capturing the diverse and often overlooked aspects of Asian American culture. Through his work, he aimed to make Asian American history a crucial part of American history. Corky Lee's photography showcased the richness and complexity of Asian American life, including the challenges and triumphs of the community. He also documented the struggles for civil rights and social justice that continue to affect Asian Americans to this day. Corky Lee's legacy as an advocate, artist, and historian of the Asian American experience will continue to inspire future generations.
Corky Lee Age
On September 5, 1947, Young Corky Lee was born in Queens, New York City, USA. He grew up in a predominantly Chinese-American neighborhood, and his experiences there influenced his dedication to documenting the Asian American experience. Corky Lee's passion for photography began in high school and continued throughout his life. He attended Queens College and received a degree in Asian American Studies.
He was a tireless advocate for the Asian-Pacific American community, using his art to shed light on their struggles and triumphs. Corky Lee passed away on January 27, 2021, in Queens, New York City, at the age of 73. His impact as a photographer, activist, and community leader will be remembered for generations to come.
Is Corky Lee Still Alive?
No, Corky Lee passed away on January 27, 2021, at the age of 73 in Queens, New York City, USA. His death was a great loss to the Asian-Pacific American community, for whom he was a tireless advocate and champion. Corky Lee's legacy as a photographer, activist, and community organizer will continue to inspire future generations to fight against injustices and to document the richness and complexity of the Asian American experience.
On January 27, 2021, Corky Lee passed away at Long Island Jewish Hospital in Forest Hills at the age of 73. He had been struggling with health issues, including complications related to COVID-19, in the period leading up to his death. Corky Lee's passing was a significant loss for the Asian- Pacific American community and all those who were inspired by his tireless activism, photography, and journalism.
Though he may be gone, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations to fight for social justice and equality, and his contributions to the documentation and celebration of Asian American culture will not be forgotten.
Corky Lee Wife
Corky Lee, a well-known Asian-American photographer, and activist, passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19. During his lifetime, he was married to Margaret Dia, whose personal life and relationships are not extensively documented. Tragically, Margaret Dia passed away in 2001. Corky Lee was born to Lee Yin Chuck, his father, and Jung See Lee, his mother.
Corky's mother, Jung See Lee, worked as a seamstress, and together they raised their five children in a predominantly Chinese-American neighborhood in Queens, New York City. Corky had three brothers, John, James, and Richard, and one sister named Fee. Growing up, Corky's family instilled in him a strong sense of Chinese culture and tradition.
It would go on to influence his work as a photographer and advocate for the Asian-Pacific American community. Despite the challenges of growing up as a Chinese American in New York City, Corky was able to turn his experiences into a source of strength and inspiration, dedicating his life to documenting the diverse and nuanced aspects of Asian American culture through his photography.
Corky Lee Biography
Name
Young Kwok Lee
Profession
Activist, Photographer
Nick Name
Corky Lee
Age
73 Years Old
Date Of Birth
5 September 1947
Religion
Christian
Zodiac Sign
Virgo
Nationality
American
Birth Place
Queens, New York City, United States
Residence
Queens, New York City, United States
Marital Status
Married
Wife
Margaret Dea
Children
Cynthia Zhou
School Name
Jamaica High School
Parents
Mother-Jung See Lee
Father – Lee Yin Chuck
Net Worth
$2 Million
Specifications
Details
Who is Corky Lee - FAQs
Corky Lee was a Chinese-American activist, community organizer, photographer, and journalist known for documenting and celebrating the diversity and contributions of Asian American culture.
Corky Lee was born on September 5, 1947, in Queens, New York City.
Corky Lee's parents were Lee Yin Chuck and Jung See Lee, both of whom were immigrants from China.
Corky Lee's father, Lee Yin Chuck, was a World War II veteran and owned a laundry business.
Corky Lee's photography work was inspired by an 1869 photograph that celebrated the completion of the transcontinental railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah, which depicted only white laborers despite the thousands of Chinese workers who contributed to the project.