Matthew Lewis Jr. was a distinguished American photojournalist renowned for his evocative imagery that captured pivotal moments in American history and made lasting contributions to black history. As the first African‑American photographer at The Washington Post, Lewis’s lens chronicled events ranging from civil rights marches to presidential funerals, offering profound insights into the nation’s evolving narrative.

His exceptional work earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography in 1975, recognizing his compelling portrayal of Washington, D.C.’s diverse lifestyles. Beyond his tenure at the Post, Lewis continued to enrich local journalism, dedicating his later years to the Thomasville Times in North Carolina. His legacy endures, inspiring generations to perceive the world through a more compassionate and discerning lens.