Corky Lee spent his life documenting the everyday lives and cultural milestones of Asian Americans, using his camera as both a mirror and a megaphone. His images brought to light the faces and moments that history books too often overlooked. Among his most impactful works was a bold response to one of America’s most iconic, yet exclusionary, photographs—the 1869 image taken at Promontory Point, Utah, commemorating the completion of the transcontinental railroad.

That original black-and-white photograph told only part of the story, notably leaving out the thousands of Chinese laborers who played an essential role in building the railroad. In 2014, Corky Lee led a reenactment at the same historic location, this time in full color and with Chinese Americans, many of them descendants of those original laborers, front and center. It was a powerful reclamation, a long-overdue moment of recognition, and a visual correction to our collective memory.

Now, that spirit of inclusion and acknowledgment lives on through the art we unveiled at the Diversity Art Gala. Inspired by Corky Lee’s enduring legacy, the featured piece is not just a photograph—it’s a statement. A reminder that the contributions of Asian Americans have always been a vital part of the American story, even when history tried to write them out.

Though Corky Lee passed away during the pandemic, his work continues to educate, inspire, and provoke thought. Through this tribute, we honor not only his legacy but also the countless untold stories his work represents.

The Diversity Art Gala is more than art—it’s a commitment. To amplify underrepresented voices, to showcase the beauty of our differences, and to ensure that everyone sees themselves reflected in the stories we tell.