Owensboro to Honor Native Pulitzer Prize Winner at Moneta Sleet Jr. Park

A couple of years ago, folks from all over the United States came to Owensboro to celebrate the life and legacy of Moneta Sleet Jr. "Through Sleet's Eyes Fest" was organized by a group from Leadership Owensboro as a way to honor a man who until the past few years had not gotten the recognition on a local level that he so deserved.

Who is Moneta Sleet Jr.?

I learned about Mr. Sleet when I was in high school. He was added to the Owensboro High School Hall of Fame in my freshman year, and it was the first time I really learned about segregation in Owensboro. His actual alma mater was the all black high school, Western High School. This is where he began his adventure in photojournalism. Continuing to Kentucky University and New York University, he excelled in everything he did.

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Sleet's Ebony Magazine Era

After serving in WW2, Sleet began working for Ebony magazine, taking pictures of iconic musicians, and athletes like Muhammed Ali, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, and other historical figures before documenting the Civil Rights Movement. Sleet traveled with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for 13 years, and we have him to thank for many moments in time history can't forget.

Moneta Sleet Jr. Was the First Black American to Win a Pulitzer Prize for Photography

We can learn from his artistic eye and how he captured the fight for freedom with his camera. The march from Selma to Montgomery, MLK's I Have a Dream Speech in Washington D.C., to name a couple. His most well-known photograph is a heartbreaking look at Coretta Scott King and little Bernice King at Dr. King's funeral. It is the one that earned Sleet the title of the first black American to win a Pulitzer Prize for photojournalism. Here is a great interview that shares more about that day.

Through Sleet's Eyes

The story behind Sleet's relationship with the King family, as well as how that iconic photo came to be, is truly incredible. The organizers of the Through Sleet's Eyes festival created a traveling exhibit of Moneta's work as well as a documentary. They interviewed his counterparts through the years who respected him immensely. Not just for his talent, but his kindness. This documentary, "Through Sleet's Eyes," has been shown around the community multiple times. If you ever get the chance to watch it, you will love it.

Moneta Sleet Jr. Park in Owensboro, KY

In the beautiful little park dedicated to the iconic Owensboroan, six story panels will be permanently and proudly displayed for visitors to learn about his life and legacy. The community is invited to the unveiling on April 16th at 12:15 PM to celebrate this collaboration with Through Sleet's Eyes Festival, Chamber Young Professionals, and Owensboro Parks and Recreation.