Corky Lee on My Mind: Joseph Hsu

Be Safe (Mott Street, Chinatown, NYC, May 2020)

Four months after Lunar New Year, a lone pussy willow (a popular New Year decoration symbolizing growth and prosperity) remains on a nearly empty street in Chinatown. At this time, the pandemic still raged on while unrest grew around the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of police. “Travel safely,” reads the red talisman on the pussy willow.

How did you know Corky?

"We met a long time ago. More than 20 years, when we photographed events in the community. I admire his enthusiasm about the Asian community. He's always been my role model."

Bio

Joseph Hsu is a photographer who once worked for The World Journal. Having retired in 2017, he is now a freelancer.