Gene Herrick, a renowned Associated Press photographer known for his iconic images during the Civil Rights Movement, passed away at the age of 97 in Rich Creek, Virginia. Herrick covered significant events such as Rosa Parks’ refusal to move to the back of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s trial for conspiracy to boycott the city’s buses in 1956. In a 2020 interview, Herrick recalled capturing a rare photo of King smiling on the courthouse steps after being released from jail, emphasizing his dedication to capturing history through his lens.
Herrick’s longtime companion Kitty Hylton remembered him as a dedicated journalist who loved The Associated Press and cherished the adventures he had throughout his career. He also covered the trial of the killers of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Black youth who was lynched in Mississippi after being accused of flirting with a white woman. Herrick’s coverage of the Korean War and other dangerous assignments showcased his commitment to covering events wherever they may lead, despite the risks involved in war and civil unrest.
Throughout his career, Herrick covered a wide range of subjects, including Major League Baseball, Elvis Presley, and five U.S. presidents. Reflecting on his experiences, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had been given by God and the AP, describing himself as the luckiest kid in the world for being able to do what he loved. AP Executive Editor Julie Pace praised Herrick for his contributions, noting that he had a sharp eye for visual storytelling that captured the essence of historic moments.
Herrick’s journey with the AP began at a young age when he joined as an office assistant in Columbus, Ohio, at 16. He later became a photographer in Memphis, where he covered events such as the Cleveland Indians game that earned him recognition within the organization. Herrick’s willingness to cover challenging assignments, such as the Korean War, demonstrated his dedication to his craft and the pursuit of capturing significant stories through his lens. His induction into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame in 2015 was a highlight of his life and a testament to his impactful career in journalism.
Despite retirement from the AP in 1970, Herrick continued to work with the developmentally disabled in Columbus and Rocky Mount, Virginia, showcasing his commitment to making a difference even beyond his photography career. His induction into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame at age 91 was a recognition of his contributions to the field of journalism and the impact of his work on society. Herrick’s legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who survive him and carry forward the memory of his dedication to capturing history through photography.
