Matthew Lewis Sr.
Matthew Lewis Sr. was a skilled photo engraver and photographer who worked at the Pittsburgh Courier, one of the most influential African American newspapers of the 20th century. As the second generation in a family of photographers, he played a vital role in shaping a photographic tradition that would span four generations, most notably passing down his passion and discipline to his son, Matthew Lewis Jr., who went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography in 1975.
Early Life & Career
Little is publicly recorded about Lewis Sr.’s early years, but he came of age in a time when photography was both a technical and cultural tool of power—especially within the Black press. His work at the Pittsburgh Courier positioned him at the heart of African American media during a period of intense social change in the United States.
As a photo engraver, he was responsible for preparing photographic images for print, a labor-intensive and precise craft before digital imaging existed. This work made him a behind-the-scenes force in preserving and publishing Black life, achievements, and struggle in a segregated America.
Family Legacy & Influence
Matthew Lewis Sr. followed in the footsteps of his father, Harvey James “H.J.” Lewis, who founded a photography studio in the early 1900s. The studio served as both a family business and a cultural institution in the Black community.
Lewis Sr. passed on his love of the craft to his son, Matthew Jr., who grew up assisting him, carrying equipment, observing shoots, and learning about storytelling through images. Although Matthew Jr. initially resisted following the family trade, his early exposure to the newsroom and darkroom under his father’s guidance laid the foundation for his future greatness.
Legacy
While not as publicly celebrated as his son, Matthew Lewis Sr.’s contributions to photography and journalism are undeniable. He preserved history through his lens, supported the growth of the Black press, and mentored one of the most accomplished Black photojournalists in American history.
His quiet dedication reflects the generations of Black creatives and craftsmen who worked in the background to document and dignify Black life, often without recognition.
Notable Connections
Father: Harvey James “H.J.” Lewis – Early Black photographer and studio owner
Son: Matthew Lewis Jr. – Pulitzer Prize winner and first Black assisting photo editor at The Washington Post
Legacy: A four-generation photography lineage rooted in excellence, documentation, and cultural pride
Four Generations
