Thomas Askew – A Photographer With Priceless Contemplative Power

Thomas Askew’s photography offers us an invaluable source of contemplative power in an increasingly contentious global society. Born in the 19th century, Askew went on to build himself up as an independent businessperson before finding his calling as a photographer.

He holds membership with both the Tulsa County and Oklahoma Bar Associations and an AV Preeminent Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubble, in addition to teaching law at the University of Tulsa.

Early Life and Education

Askew was an outstanding dual-sport athlete who won conference titles in swimming and tennis. In addition, he served in multiple leadership capacities on his teams and as a student-athlete advisor empowering young people to strive for excellence in life.

As a private citizen, he was an enthusiastic proponent of any cause benefitting society, such as free schools. Additionally, he served on multiple township boards and held three consecutive terms as trustee.

Askew’s portraits are expertly photographed, demonstrating his expertise in composition and printing as an employee for Columbus Washington Motes’ studio in Atlanta, Georgia. His photos were included in W. E. B. Du Bois’ album for Paris 1900 Exposition Universelle Exposition but most were lost due to a fire which consumed his studio.

Professional Career

Thomas Askew was an early African American photographer renowned for his portraits and views of Atlanta, Georgia. Many of his works were included in W. E. B Du Bois’ book Types of American Negroes that was published at Paris 1900 Exposition Universalle for exhibition. Askew made his living both professionally and financially through business ownership.

Askew practices law in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he represents clients in litigation matters. His experience includes business disputes and torts, contracts and first and third-party insurance claims; complex personal injury litigation cases as well as complex personal injury litigation. Askew earned an AV Preeminent peer review rating from his peers and is an active member of Tulsa County Bar Association as well as Riggs Abney Neal Turpen Orbison Lewis where he serves on their board of directors as shareholder and director.

Achievement and Honors

Thomas Askew was an American politician and entrepreneur who served as governor of Florida from 1991-95, during the “New South” era. A member of the Democratic Party, Askew supported school desegregation policies such as busing to achieve racial balance.

Mack-Askew has earned numerous honors and awards over her lifetime, such as being one of Triad Business Journal’s Women in Business Leaders and serving on the boards for American Registry and America’s Top Lawyers. Additionally, she provides reading buddies for Oak Hill Elementary School children while mentoring young women through The Queens Foundation.

She volunteers her time at a local community center where she leads a youth volleyball program and serves on its Board of Trustees; additionally she sits on Pensacola State College’s governing Board.

Personal Life

Thomas Askew was an accomplished businessman, hospital administrator, and devoted churchgoer. He served as President of both Yazoo City and Greenwood Lions Club as well as Mississippi affiliate of American College of Hospital Administrators.

His photographic portraits featured Black people from a range of middle-class lives, skin tones and attire – reflecting an important milestone when Black people started taking charge in crafting their visual identities for public consumption.

Askew’s legacy lives on through his portraiture, which captured the beauty and life of Black Atlantans with its subtle beauty. His images showcased Black excellence thriving outside racist confines – providing valuable perspective in an environment which continues to shy away from discussing race issues openly.

Net Worth

Thomas Askew was an early African American photographer known for capturing the simple beauty of Black Atlanta life through his artistic perspective. He is buried at Oakland Cemetery; his legacy provides comforting reflection in an age when racism still simmers under the surface.

Askew is a partner at our Tulsa office and specializes in litigation of first and third-party insurance issues, business disputes with private and public entities, transportation liability cases, bad faith claims, business torts and personal injury matters.

His clients include high-net worth families seeking estate planning advice and litigation as well as businesses requiring corporate structuring, governance and day-to-day legal counsel. He is admitted to practice before both State and Federal courts in Oklahoma as well as being listed with Benzinga Pro for international market analysis and information.