For nearly a century, Leica has crafted photographic instruments for the people who record history through images, standing together as they expose tragedy and injustice to bring about hope and change.
From Robert Capa bearing witness of the Spanish Civil War to Nick Ut bringing attention to the cruelties of war in Vietnam. Moving to Benedict Fernandez narrating the civil rights protests of the 1960’s, Gilles Peress reporting on the escape of the persecuted in Bosnia to Jürgen Schadeberg chronicling the life of Nelson Mandela. Each with a Leica in their hand to memorialize on film what their eyes were witnessing, offering to the world the opportunity to form public opinions that spark conversations and actions for change.
Humanism is one of our fundamental brand values, honoring the photographers who fight injustice with their cameras as weapons. Today, as yesterday, we devote our space to these photographers to help amplify their stories, to foster conversations for change, and to inspire hope.
As we relive images of yesterday and document the nationwide protests of today, we remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (photographed here by Benedict J. Fernandez in 1967): “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”.
Image #1. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the crowd at the United Nations
© Benedict J. Fernandez, 1960s.
Image #2. Untitled (Peace)
© Jim Marshall, 1960s
Image #3. Napalm Girl
© Nick Ut/AP Photo, 1972
Image #4. Los Angeles
© Mathieu Bitton, 2020
Image #5. New York
© Eva Woolridge, 2020
