This blog was written by Sandra Chando, Chickasaw Bluff Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Memphis photojournalist Karen Pulfer Focht received the Women in the Arts Award from the NSDAR at the Memphis-Shelby County Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Day celebration September 12, 2026 at the Historic Magnolia Cemetery. Constitution Week is celebrated September 17-23 across America. The award honors her outstanding contributions to visual storytelling and American cultural history. Presented through the Chickasaw Bluff Chapter of the Tennessee DAR, the award recognizes Focht’s decades of work documenting the people and stories of Memphis and the Mississippi Delta through her internationally recognized photography, exhibitions, and publications.
A veteran journalist with more than 30 years’ experience, Focht’s work is regularly published in newspapers and magazines around the world. She contributes to major media outlets, including The Associated Press, Reuters News, European Press, the Daily Memphian, Memphis Magazine, and many others.
Focht’s honors include the Medallion for Distinguished Service to the American People from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Casey Foundation Medal for Meritorious Journalism, and the Library of Congress Blanton Award from the American Folklife Center.
David Waters of the Institute for Public Service Reporting of Memphis at the University of Memphis states, “Karen takes photographs with her heart. I don’t know how she does that. I’ve tried for many years to figure it out. The only conclusion I’ve come to is that’s how she sees the world. Through the lens of her heart. You can see and feel Karen’s heart in most of her photographs, but most vividly and deeply in her photos of children. Her one-dimensional photographs capture their multi-dimensional beings. Their innocence and vulnerability. Their generosity and resilience. Their pride and joy.”
Pulitzer Prize winning photographer John H. White of Chicago reflects, “Karen has been consistently excellent on many subjects, from birth to death and all the in-between. Yes, a walking light with a camera and a big heart that helps humanity to Keep in Flight. Not insignificantly, Karen’s career evolved at a time when the field of photojournalism was dominated by men. She opened a window for women that time cannot shut.
Karen Pulfer Focht resides in Memphis with her family. She exemplifies the highest ideals of accomplished women who balance professional excellence with personal and community commitments. She continues to document the region and mentor the next generation of storytellers. To see her work, please go to www.karenpulferfocht.com
