It sounds like a plot twist from a movie, African American photographer Ernest C. Withers was in the heart of the Black American Civil Rights movement. He was friends with Dr King, even taking the iconic image of King on Atlanta's first desegregated bus. However, due to a clerical error, it has recently been revealed that Withers was also working with the FBI as a paid informant.
Withers images are the largest catalog of any photographer documenting the Souths Civil Rights movement and shows remarkable intimacy and access to the top Civil Rights leaders. All the while he was relaying important insider information back to two FBI agents.
People involved with the movement in the 60's have reacted with a mixture of sadness and disbelief, that he not only betrayed the cause but also their friendships. It was thought that Withers, who had eight children may have been motivated by the financial incentive. However, it appears Withers took his reasons to the grave as his family denies knowledge. Nevertheless his images will always remain as an insight to one of the biggest turning points in American history.
