Dorsey documented the city s history for 20 years as the Louisville Defender s only full-time photojournalist. Author: WHAS11 Staff Updated: 9:50 PM EDT July 9, 2021
LOUISVILLE, Ky. Louisville is mourning the death of well-known photographer Bud Dorsey a pioneer, mentor and leader in the city s African American community.
If something important was happening, or a big name was in town, Dorsey was there. After receiving a camera from a relative in the 1950s, Dorsey started making deals with local photographers sweeping floors at a local portrait studio in exchange for tips on how to develop film.
Eventually, Dorsey became the only full-time photojournalist at the Louisville Defender newspaper, documenting the city s history for 20 years.