Black History Month - Featured Artist -Gordon Parks
In honor of Black History Month, I want to highlight the work of Black photographer, Gordon Parks.
All Photos: Gordon Parks
“I SAW THAT THE CAMERA COULD BE A WEAPON AGAINST POVERTY, AGAINST RACISM, AGAINST ALL SORTS OF SOCIAL WRONGS. I KNEW AT THAT POINT I HAD TO HAVE A CAMERA.”
Parks was a photographer, writer, and filmmaker who used both black and white and color photography to highlight mainly African-American life and culture from the early 1940s to the 2000s. He realized the power of photography and used his images to not only show, but also fight the racism, poverty, and discrimination in this country. He also created images that shined a light on urban life, fashion, American workers, and the everyday lives of people. Gordon Parks has been credited with creating some of the most monumental photographs in American history.
Photo: Gordon Parks
Parks created this photograph of Martin Luther King Jr. in Washington DC in 1963 and years later was sent by Life magazine as a journalist to cover Martin Luther King Jr.‘s funeral. You can read Gordon Parks’ full essay and see it in print on the Gordon Parks Foundation website.
Take a moment today and to study and learn about this inspiring artist who recognized the power of photography and used his camera to change the world.
At Jennifer Loomis Photography we are committed to amplifying underrepresented voices through diversity and inclusion. See Jennifer’s work from East Africa.