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Don Hogan Charles
Don Hogan Charles.jpg
Hogan Charles photographed in the late 1960s.
Born
Don Hogan Charles

(1938-09-09)September 9, 1938
Died (2017-12-15)December 15, 2017
Nationality American
Occupation Photographer

Don Hogan Charles (born September 9, 1938 – died December 15, 2017) was an amazing American photographer. He made history by becoming the very first African-American staff photographer hired by The New York Times newspaper. For over 40 years, he took pictures of many famous people. These included civil rights leader Coretta Scott King, musician John Lennon, activist Malcolm X, and boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

Discovering Don Hogan Charles

Don Hogan Charles was a talented photographer who captured important moments in American history. His work helped people see and understand major events and famous personalities. He left behind a powerful collection of images.

Early Life and Photography Journey

Don Hogan Charles was born in New York City on September 9, 1938. His birth name was Daniel James Charles. He went to George Washington High School in Manhattan. After high school, he started studying engineering at City College of New York. However, he soon decided to follow his passion for photography instead. He left college to become a photographer.

Before joining The New York Times, Charles worked as a freelance photographer. This means he worked for himself and sold his photos to different clients. His pictures appeared in big international magazines like Der Spiegel and Paris Match. He also took photos for famous fashion designers like Bill Blass and Oscar de la Renta.

Capturing History at The New York Times

In 1964, Don Hogan Charles joined The New York Times. He worked there for 43 years, until he retired in 2007. During his time at the newspaper, he photographed many important events and people. He was known for his ability to capture powerful and meaningful images.

His photographs are now part of important collections. You can see his work at the MOMA and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. These museums keep his photos so that future generations can learn from them.

Famous Photos and Legacy

One of Don Hogan Charles's most famous pictures is of civil rights activist Malcolm X. In this iconic photo, Malcolm X is holding a rifle and looking out a window. Charles took this picture for Ebony magazine. The photo became a symbol of Malcolm X's strong determination to protect his family. It showed his belief in protecting his loved ones "by any means necessary".

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