On September 10, 1957, photographer William C. Beall from the Washington Daily News was assigned to capture a parade organized by the Chinese Merchants Association. While his focus was on the procession, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a young child captivated by the performance of the Chinese lion dance. The little one ventured off the sidewalk to get a closer look, only to be intercepted by a tall and kindhearted police officer who patiently explained that it was not safe to cross the street in the midst of the parade.

“Suddenly, I saw the picture, I aimed my camera, and I clicked,” he would recall.

The resulting photograph captured a moment of childlike innocence and wonder, earning Beall the Pulitzer Prize in 1958.