Memphis photojournalist Karen Pulfer Focht honored by DAR

Memphis photojournalist Karen Pulfer Focht honored by DAR

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Women in the Arts Recognition Award honors women who have made significant, outstanding contributions to the arts at a community level.

Below: Karen Pulfer Focht

During the celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, the DAR has chosen to acknowledge my contributions to visual storytelling and American cultural history. What an extra special honor.

America is a very special place.

Never have I taken for granted the freedoms that I have been given and the sacrifices of those who have made those freedoms possible.

I have been blessed with an extraordinary career—one that peaked during the golden age of photojournalism—while serving as a staff photographer for the preeminent newspaper in the Mid-South, The Commercial Appeal, renowned for its outstanding photojournalism while owned by Scripps Howard.

Documenting history, enlightening readers, bringing people to places they might not otherwise go, and telling intimate stories that reflect the heart and soul of our community has never been just a job for me; it has been a calling. It is all I have ever wanted to do. I’ve been sent on assignment all over the world, including the White House, looking to capture precious storytelling moments. I have had a front row seat to life.

But what I love more than anything is doing impactful community journalism; work that makes a difference.

My work continues today, and I hope it will for a long time to come.~

Thank you~

Karen Pulfer Focht

Below are the nomination Letters and photographs




Below are some of the image that were selected for the nomination.