Legendary Photographer Atiba Jefferson to Discuss Career and Impact

SDSU event to feature talk and Q&A with renowned visual storyteller

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Renowned African American photographer Atiba Jefferson will be the featured guest at an upcoming event hosted by the SDSU Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change and the Emma and Gus Thompson Black Resource Center. Jefferson, recognized as one of the most influential visual storytellers of his generation, will discuss his extensive career capturing defining images across sports, music, and youth culture, as well as offer insights into the future of skateboarding, media, and opportunities for social change.

Why it matters

Atiba Jefferson's work has documented and elevated influential figures and subcultures, making him an important voice in visual storytelling. This event provides a platform for him to share his experiences and perspectives, inspiring the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

The details

At the event, titled "Atiba Jefferson: Finding Focus", Jefferson will participate in an artist talk and Q&A moderated by Dr. Neftalie Williams and DGK Stateboards athlete Adrianne Sloboh. Jefferson has captured iconic images of celebrities and athletes, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell. He has also directed the ESPN-produced, Emmy-nominated, Clio award-winning documentary "Monochrome", further expanding his impact across mediums. The event will also feature a book signing by Dr. Neftalie Williams for his new publication, "The Skateboard Life: Movers, Shakers, Makers & Rulebreakers: The Quintessential Story of Skateboard Culture".

  • The event will take place on February 18, 2026.

The players

Atiba Jefferson

A legendary African American photographer recognized as one of the most influential visual storytellers of his generation, known for capturing defining images of icons in sports, music, and youth culture.

Dr. Neftalie Williams

A professor who will moderate the event and sign copies of his new book, "The Skateboard Life: Movers, Shakers, Makers & Rulebreakers: The Quintessential Story of Skateboard Culture".

Adrianne Sloboh

A DGK Stateboards athlete who will co-moderate the event with Dr. Neftalie Williams.

SDSU Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change

The host organization for the event, focused on the intersection of skateboarding, action sports, and social change.

Emma and Gus Thompson Black Resource Center

The co-host organization for the event, focused on supporting the Black community at SDSU.

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What’s next

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Atiba Jefferson during the Q&A portion of the event.

The takeaway

This event provides a unique platform for the SDSU community and the public to learn from and be inspired by the work and insights of Atiba Jefferson, a pioneering visual storyteller who has captured and elevated influential figures and subcultures across sports, music, and youth culture.