Social documentary photographer Roy DeCarava, lauded for his advocacy of young African-American photographers and art, died last October at the age of 89.

DeCarava began his photography career early, taking on gigs as a teenager to earn money. He later attended the Cooper Union School of Art in New York and George Washington Carver Art School.

In addition to his photographic work, DeCarava produced many paintings and silk-screened images early in his career. He fully transitioned into photography after a friend put one of DeCarava’s photos on display in...