Jahi Chikwendiu

Jahi Chikwendiu is a photographer based in Washington, D.C., United States, who covers a wide range of national and international news stories. Chikwendiu was a staff photographer with The Washington Post from 2001 to 2025. 

Chikwendiu studied mathematics and earned a master’s degree in mathematics education from the University of Kentucky. He began his professional career as a high school mathematics teacher before turning to photography. After building a portfolio, he began freelancing for the Lexington Herald-Leader, where he later joined the staff as a photographer. In 1998, the Kentucky News Photographers Association named him Photographer of the Year. After two years covering stories across Kentucky, he joined The Washington Post.
 
During his almost 25 years at The Washington Post, Chikwendiu reported on a broad range of assignments in the United States and internationally, covering stories in dozens of countries across five continents.
 
His work has received recognition from organisations including the Days Japan International Photojournalism Awards, the National Press Photographers Association, the Overseas Press Club, Pictures of the Year International, the Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar, the National Association of Black Journalists, the White House News Photographers Association and the Scripps Howard Awards.


World Press Photo Involvement:
2026 World Press Photo Contest winner
2005 World Press Photo Contest winner

Jahi Chikwendiu on Social Media:
Instagram: @jaheezus