The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Travel With Me
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Travel With Me
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Art & Culture

Black History Month: Legendary Photographer Gordon Parks.

by Nadeen
August 4, 2016
A A
Black History Month: Photographer Gordon Parks.

Gordon Parks (1912-2006) was a famed photographer, director, writer and a musician! He led an extraordinary life and career capturing haunting and unforgettable images of American life. As a photojournalist he brought stories of injustice and poverty to mainstream America. This post was inspired by my recent visit to his exhibit “Gordon Parks: Segregation Story” at the High Museum in Atlanta. I will be sharing with you photos from that remarkable exhibit throughout this post. This is my second post dedicated to Black History Month. In the first I discussed African Americans in Sag Harbor, NY. For this one I am sharing with you 10 things you should know about Gordon Parks!

Legendary Photographer Gordon Parks with his camera.
Legendary Photographer Gordon Parks with his camera.

One) Gordon Parks was born in Fort Scott, Kansas in 1912 and attended a segregated elementary school. His mother died when he was a teenager and after living with relatives for a few years he moved to Chicago at the age of 17.

Two) Gordon Parks bought his first camera at age 25. Once he developed his first images, he caught the eye of many successful business people. Due to this, he was able to open a photography business in Chicago. At the start of his career he was actually in the fashion field!

Three) Gordon Parks began capturing images of black ghettos in Chicago which earned him a photography fellowship in Washington DC. Struck by segregation in the capital city led to one of his most famous photographs.  In “American Gothic, Washington DC” Gordon Parks features a Black woman standing in front of an American Flag holding a broom in one hand and a mop in the background. Gordon Parks continued to feature the Black woman, Ella Watson, in photos showing her daily life during that time period.

"American Gothic, Washington, D.C." by Photographer Gordon Parks.
“American Gothic, Washington, D.C.” by Photographer Gordon Parks.

Four) Gordon Parks worked for Vogue magazine! He is known for taking pictures of models in motion rather than posing. He lived in Harlem during this time and was a freelance photographer for the magazine. While living in NYC he worked on a series of photographs focused on small and industrial towns across America.

Five) His most notable works came during his time working for Life Magazine. Gordon Parks worked for Life magazine for 20 years and he was the first African American to do so! During this time he covered everything from sports to fashion to Broadway and continued documenting images of segregation and poverty in America. He also took memorable photos of Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali and Barbara Streisand.

[Tweet "10 Things You Should Know About Photographer #GordonParks."]

Six) Gordon Parks was also one of the first Black director’s in Hollywood! For the “Learning Tree” filmed in his hometown of Fort Scott, Kansas Park’s he also wrote the screenplay and developed the musical score for the film! Have you seen the 1971 movie “Shaft”? Well he was the director for that classic film! Gordon Parks also directed the sequel “Shaft’s Big Score”. (I will admit I have never heard of this one). These films are often referred to as “blaxploitation” films. Gordon Parks actually made a cameo in the remake of Shaft starring Samuel Jackson. Did you see the Oscar winning movie “12 Years a Slave”? It was based on the autobiography by Solomon Northrop. Solomon Northrop was a free Black man who was captured and sold into slavery in the South. In 1984 Gordon Parks directed “Solomon Northrup’s Odyssey” which was a television film based on the same novel.

A photo from "Gordon Parks: Segregation Story". Professor Thornton with his family in a colored waiting room in the South.
A photo from “Gordon Parks: Segregation Story”. Professor Thornton with his family in a colored waiting room in the South.

Seven) Can you believe besides all the above, Gordon Parks was also a musician? During his career he performed as a jazz pianist. He was also a composer and combined his musical and directorial skills for “Martin”. “Martin” was a ballet dedicated to Dr.Martin Luther King Jr.

Eight) Gordon Parks was also a writer. He wrote poetry, fiction and his memoirs. Works include “The Learning Tree” which is a film about growing up as an African American in 1920s rural Kansas. A work loosely based on his autobiography. He also wrote a fictional novel “Shannon” about Irish immigrants in New York during the 20th century.

Nine) Ongoing Accomplishments and Awards. Gordon parks was a cofounder of Essence Magazine which is still in print today. I had no idea! His was a staunch advocate for civil rights and used his photographs to bring awareness and urgency to this fight. Gordon parks received countless awards which I cannot fit into this post! I will mention his honorary Doctorate of Humanities Degree from Thiel College in Pennsylvania, his NAACP award, The Royal Photographic Society’s Special 150th Anniversary Medal, and the Doctor of Humane letters from The Art Institute of Boston. In 1995 Gordon Parks donated his work to the Library of Congress and it was curated as “The Gordon Parks Collection”.

Photographer Gordon Parks. Read the 10 things you should know about this famed photographer.
Photographer Gordon Parks.

Ten) The Legacy of Gordon Parks. The most magnificent aspect of Gordon Parks and his contributions is how it will live on for generations to come. Although his most notable works date back over 60 years, many of his subject matters are still relevant today. His photographs tell a story of America’s past and can be used as timeless pieces of history telling. Due to his vast collection, some never displayed to the public, there are continued exhibits of his work in museums across the country.

My first recollection of Gordon Parks was around 2000 when I viewed one of his exhibits in Chicago. I was mesmerized by the clarity and subject matters of his work. As mentioned above I recently visited “Gordon Parks: Segregation Story” at the High Museum in Atlanta. Gordon Parks followed a multi-generational family in Alabama during the early period of the Civil Rights Movement. What struck me throughout this exhibit was despite the poverty, racism and segregation there was a sense of pride, dignity and sophistication among the African American subjects. This exhibit will be on display until 6/21/2015.

An image of segregation captured by Photographer Gordon Parks and featured in
An image of segregation captured by Photographer Gordon Parks and featured in “Gordon Parks: Segregation Story”

Gordon Parks is also currently being featured in an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. In “Gordon Parks: Back to Fort Scott” you will see images of Gordon Park’s hometown in the segregated 1950s. He returned there on a project for Life magazine but the work was never published. Many of his classmates from elementary school still resided in Fort Scott, Kansas and Gordon Parks shows their lives during this time period. This exhibit will be on display until 9/13/2015.

For more information on Gordon Parks and to view more of his amazing work visit The Gordon Parks Foundation website.

So tell me-are you familiar with Gordon Parks or his work in photography, film or music? Have you seen any of his exhibits? If so, please share your thoughts with us below!

N.S.W.

Sign up to learn about luxury travel with food + wine experts all over the world.

Curated small group trips where all you have to do is pack your bag, relax & enjoy!

+ Receive my free packing & to-do lists for International travel!

Thank you! Check your email for your checklists!

Tags: Art & Cultureblack history monthgordon parksphotography
Previous Post

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

Next Post

Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

things to do in atlanta for black history month, ebenezer baptist church, black churches in atlanta
Travel

Things to do in Atlanta, Georgia for Black History Month.

September 22, 2021
Macy's Culinary Council with Chef Marcus Samuelsson for his Red Rooster Cookbook Event!
Atlanta

Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster Cookbook Event!

September 19, 2019
Celebrate Valentine's Day & Black History Month with Black Travel! Couples who travel around the world together share their inspiring stories!
Blog

Black Travel Love: Couples Who Travel Together! (Part II)

February 25, 2017
Black Travel Love: Couples Who Travel Together! In Honor of Valentine's Day and Black History Month read stories of these amazing black couples who are traveling all around the world together and defying stereotypes of travelers and proving black love is strong and lasting! Travel is a privilege that we all appreciate and are making the most of!
Blog

Black Travel Love: Couples Who Travel Together Share Their Favorite Destinations & Give Travel Advice! (Part I)

February 10, 2017
The Afro-Mexican Experience & Civil Rights Movement.
Blog

The Afro-Mexican Experience & Civil Rights Movement.

July 10, 2016
Black History Month Travel Takeover: Cuba!
Blog

Black History Month Travel Takeover: Cuba!

February 28, 2016
Next Post

Top 5 Restaurant Picks: Eating in New Orleans!

Travel to the Romantic Isle of Capri!

Travel to the Romantic Isle of Capri!

Comments 8

  1. Chanel | Cultural Xplorer says:
    8 years ago

    Gordon Parks was certainly a man of many many talents! 😀

    • Nadeen says:
      8 years ago

      Yes Chanel I agree! I had not idea how many until I reserched him for this post!

  2. [email protected] says:
    8 years ago

    AWESOME! I love his work, such richness and history.

    • Nadeen says:
      8 years ago

      Jaye-absolutely! I look forward to viewing more of his exhibits!

  3. GinaB says:
    8 years ago

    You have paid a beautiful respect to Gordon Parks via this post. I didn’t grow up in America but I do recall having seen his work . I will definitely check out the High exhibit.

    • Nadeen says:
      8 years ago

      Thank you so much Gina! I am sure you will enjoy the exhibit at the HIgh!

  4. Dana Carmel (@timetravelplans) says:
    8 years ago

    I’m a Gordon Parks fan and am familiar with his photography career; however, I had no idea he was such a Renaissance man especially with respect to his production career and writing. I read Solomon Northrup’s book after I watched the movie, so it’s interesting to know that Parks helped bring that story to television. What a great inspiration. Thanks for sharing!

    • Nadeen says:
      8 years ago

      Thank you Dana! I have been I have of his for a long time as well and didnt know half of this until I did the research! A Renaissance Man for sure!

No Result
View All Result
Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe for updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Best-selling Travel Ebooks Available for Download

Travel Guides to Your Favorite Destinations

USA Wine Guide for Travelers

Culinary Travel Guides: Food & Wine

Recent Posts

Travel

How to Spend One Day in Milan Italy!

by Nadeen
March 4, 2023
Travel

Luxurious Adults-Only Resorts in Jamaica.

by Nadeen
February 16, 2023

    Black-Owned Businesses

    black-owned businesses in asheville north carolina, hood huggers tours, black-owned business in asheville, asheville north carolina, black-owned restaurants in Asheville, downtown Asheville,

    Black-Owned Businesses in Asheville, North Carolina.

    September 22, 2021
    black-owned rosé wine brands to sip on this summer, rosé wines, black-owned wines, rosé wines, summer wines, black-owned wines, black-owned wineries, mcbride wines, black girl magic wines, brown estate wines,

    Black-Owned Rosé Wine Brands to Sip on this Summer.

    April 27, 2022
    atlanta black-owned restaurants, black-owned restaurants in atlanta, atlanta restaurants, brunch in atlanta, atlanta restaurants

    45+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

    May 15, 2022
    black-owned wineries, black-owned businesses, black-owned wines, black winemakers, black wines, black owned wines, black owned wineries, black podcasts, wine, wineries, winemakers. wine regions, napa valley, wine tasting

    50+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

    March 15, 2022

    Explore the U.S.A

    san francisco golden gate bridge, most romantic cities in the us, valentines day

    The Most Romantic Cities in the US for Getaways.

    February 12, 2023
    photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival

    2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

    March 31, 2022
    sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting

    Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

    December 13, 2021
    things to do in malibu california, malibu restaurants, wine tasting in malibu, malibu beaches, shopping in malibu

    Things to do in Malibu California this Weekend.

    March 21, 2022
    • Trending
    • Comments
    • Latest
    Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

    The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

    August 6, 2020
    15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

    15 Fun Quebec City Facts

    August 7, 2018
    Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers! Everything you need to know to attend this magical event! Includes information on purchasing tickets, preparing for the event, costs and what to expect at Diner en Blanc!

    Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers!

    September 19, 2019
    Dubai Trip

    Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

    April 2, 2020
    Dubai Trip

    Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

    How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

    How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

    Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

    Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

    must-eat food in bologna, ragu bolognese

    Must-Eat Food in Bologna Italy-the Culinary Capital of Italy.

    March 16, 2023
    venice italy, things to do in venice italy

    Best things to do in Venice Italy!

    March 9, 2023
    Duomo in Milan italy, how to spend one day in milan

    How to Spend One Day in Milan Italy!

    March 4, 2023
    adults-only resorts in jamaica, all-inclusive resorts, jamaica resorts

    Luxurious Adults-Only Resorts in Jamaica.

    February 16, 2023
    The Sophisticated Life

    • About
    • Travel
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy

    © 2022 The Sophisticated Life

    The Sophisticated Life

    • About
    • Travel
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • About
    • Travel
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy

    © 2020 The Sophisticated Life

    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • About
    • Travel
    • Wine
    • Food
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Travel With Me
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy

    © 2020 The Sophisticated Life