Background
At home, his father told him to grow up to be his best, to look for the best in others, and if he were to work on a garbage truck, fine—just be sure he"s the driver.
At home, his father told him to grow up to be his best, to look for the best in others, and if he were to work on a garbage truck, fine—just be sure he"s the driver.
Associate of Applied Science., Central Piedmont Community College.
White has said that this was a turning point in his life. White"s father also played a pivotal role in his photography. At age 14, White"s church burned down and his father asked him to take photos of the destruction and reconstruction.
White now credits this first assignment with his focus on photo stories.
After working for the Chicago Daily News, White joined the staff of the Chicago Sun Times in 1978 and worked there until May 2013. White also teaches photojournalism at Columbia College Chicago, and formerly taught at Northwestern University.
In 1973 and 1974 White worked for the Environmental Protection Agency's DOCUMERICA project photographing Chicago and its African American community. White"s photographs show the difficulties facing residents as well as their spirit and pride.
Hal Buell, the former head of the Associated Press Photography Service, noted that White is one of the best photographers at capturing the everyday vignette.
White has published a book about Cardinal Bernardin, but he has yet to publish a book of his work outside the religious realm. White has said that he lives by three words: faith, focus, flight. "I"m faithful to my purpose, my mission, my assignment, my work, my dreams.
I stay focused on what I"m doing and what"s important.
And I keep in flight—I spread my wings and do lieutenant".
Member Blackwell Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Chicago, since 1972, steward, since 1979, superintendent Sunday School. Member National Press Photograhers Association, Illinois Press Photographers Association (photographer of year award 1971, 79, 82), Chicago Press Photographers Association (president 1977-1978 photographer of year award), Chicago Association Black Journalists.
Married Emily L. Miller, May 29, 1966 (deceased). Children: Deborah, Angela, Ruby, John Henry.