What was Steve Schapiro's role in documenting the Civil Rights Movement?

Photographer Steve Schapiro captured many history-making moments during the Civil Rights Movement, including the third march on Selma, Alabama and Martin Luther King Jr.'s final hours at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.

How did Schapiro's photos of Martin Luther King Jr. reveal the civil rights leader's state of mind?

Schapiro noticed that in many of his photos of King, the leader's eyes were often on the sides rather than facing forward, and there was a "slight fear" in his expression, as King was receiving death threats daily.

What is the significance of Schapiro's photographs from the Civil Rights Movement?

According to the film's producers, Schapiro's Civil Rights photos stand out as the most impactful work of his career, as they captured pivotal moments that "defined a period of time in our country that was in such turmoil."

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Photographer Steve Schapiro's Powerful Civil Rights Legacy Preserved

Photographer Steve Schapiro's Powerful Civil Rights Legacy Preserved

17 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Photographer Steve Schapiro documented key moments of the Civil Rights Movement
Captured Martin Luther King Jr.'s room hours after his assassination
Noticed King's eyes often showed "slight fear" due to death threats

Photographer Steve Schapiro's Powerful Civil Rights Legacy Preserved

The late photographer Steve Schapiro, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 87, is being remembered for his powerful documentation of the Civil Rights Movement. In a new film, "Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere," director Maura Smith looks back on Schapiro's wide-ranging career, with a particular focus on his work capturing pivotal moments from that era.