Benedict Joseph Fernandez Iii

Place: Manhattan

Born: 1936

Death: 2021

Biography:

Early Life and Career

, an American educator and street photographer, was born on April 5, 1936, in Manhattan, New York City. His father, of Puerto Rican descent, worked as an office manager, while his mother, Pamela (Perella), was a housewife of Italian descent. Raised in the East Harlem neighborhood, Fernandez attended Haaren High School and received a Brownie camera shortly before becoming a teenager.

Photography Career

Fernandez's photography career began in the early 1960s, covering the American civil rights movement and anti-Vietnam War movement. He documented pivotal events, including the Poor People's Campaign, 1967 Newark riots, and draft-card burnings. His work was characterized by poignant black-and-white photographs that demonstrated his confidence in capturing the essence of his subjects.

• Dr. Benjamin Spock, Dr. King, and Monsignor Rice of Pittsburgh march in the Solidarity Day Parade at the United Nations Building, a notable photograph, showcases Fernandez's ability to capture the spirit of protest movements.
• His collection of 80 images of Martin Luther King Jr., titled Countdown to Eternity, was exhibited across the country, offering a unique glimpse into King's private life.
• Fernandez's work has been recognized through various awards, including a Fulbright research scholarship in photography and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Teaching and Legacy

Fernandez founded the Photo Film Workshop in the basement of The Public Theater, where he taught underprivileged youths for free. He also established the photography department at the Parsons School of Design, employing professional photographers as instructors.

• The Bronx Documentary Center, founded by one of his students, Michael Kamber, has displayed Fernandez's "underappreciated archive."
• Another student, Angel Franco, went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for his photojournalism with The New York Times.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

* Protest (exhibition) * I Am a Man (exhibition) * Countdown to Eternity (exhibition) View more of Benedict Joseph Fernandez III's work on Wikioo.org: [https://Wikioo.org/@@/D4NTRE-Benedict-Joseph-Fernandez-Iii-Dr-Benjamin-Spock-Dr-King-and-Monsignor-Rice-..](https://Wikioo.org/@@/D4NTRE-Benedict-Joseph-Fernandez-Iii-Dr-Benjamin-Spock-Dr-King-and-Monsignor-Rice-..) [https://Wikioo.org/@/Benedict-Joseph-Fernandez-Iii](https://Wikioo.org/@/Benedict-Joseph-Fernandez-iii) Learn more about the Feminist Art Movement, which influenced Fernandez's work: [https://Wikioo.org/@@/A@D3CQL5-The-Feminist-Art-Movement](https://Wikioo.org/@@/A@D3CQL5-The-Feminist-Art-Movement) Read more about Benedict Joseph Fernandez III on Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_J._Fernandez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_J._Fernandez)