The enduring legacy of civil rights photographer and artist Gordon Parks continues to flourish, even as the organisation dedicated to preserving his work confronts a challenging financial environment. With the 20th anniversary of Parks' death approaching on March 7, the Gordon Parks Foundation marks its own two-decade milestone this year, striving to expand its mission while securing vital resources.
Navigating a Shifting Philanthropic Landscape
Executive Director Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr. acknowledges that while federal cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes have had a limited direct impact due to a robust supporter base, the foundation is not insulated from broader trends. "We're definitely sensitive to the fact the world has drastically changed and the arts and DEI and culture have definitely taken a hit," Kunhardt stated. This reality places heightened importance on fundraising initiatives, particularly the foundation's annual gala, which serves as its largest financial driver.
Star-Studded Gala to Honour Champions of Arts and Justice
In a significant move, the foundation announced it will honour an illustrious group at its May 19 gala in Manhattan. The list includes EGOT winner John Legend, Grammy recipient Chance the Rapper, Mellon Foundation President Elizabeth Alexander, and acclaimed artist Henry Taylor. Additionally, advocate and philanthropist Lonnie Ali will accept an award on behalf of her late husband, boxing legend Muhammad Ali, a longtime friend of Parks.
Kunhardt emphasised the selection's significance: "We need to preserve the past to inspire the future by honouring these individuals. The particular people on this list for 20 years are very important because they represent many different disciplines that Gordon Parks focused in on and who have championed the arts and social justice."
From Pawnshop Camera to Enduring Influence
Gordon Parks' remarkable journey began when he purchased his first camera from a pawnshop, teaching himself photography while working various jobs in Minnesota. His talent earned him the prestigious Julius Rosenwald Fellowship in 1942, leading to an apprenticeship under Roy Stryker at the Farm Security Administration alongside icons like Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange.
Today, the foundation continues this spirit of mentorship through numerous fellowships in art, music, and writing. A recent innovation, the Legacy Acquisition Fund, purchases work from older artists to support them and strengthen their connection to Parks' legacy. These efforts, coupled with the acclaimed 2021 HBO documentary "A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks," have sparked renewed public interest in his oeuvre.
A Resonant Legacy in Minneapolis-St. Paul
Casey Riley, Chair of the Department of Global Contemporary Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, notes Parks' profound local connection. "He came of age here and really began to realise what his dream for his life would be," Riley explained. "It's a powerful and resonant story for people here. They take a lot of pride in him, but they also see him as one of their own."
This bond is so strong that Minnesota state lawmakers recently announced plans to erect a statue honouring Parks in downtown St. Paul. Riley describes Parks as a "beacon" who consistently used his camera to advocate for social justice and equity, a legacy that feels particularly urgent amid current tensions in the region.
Broad Support from Cultural Icons
The foundation's work attracts support from a diverse array of high-profile figures. This year's gala co-chairs include musician Alicia Keys and her husband Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean), CNN journalist Anderson Cooper, and Brooklyn Nets co-owner Clara Wu Tsai. Notable inductors for the honorees will feature former NFL quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick and former Ford Foundation President Darren Walker.
Reflecting on the foundation's steadfast mission, Kunhardt affirmed, "What we're doing has not really changed with the times. We've been one of the constants. We've done it when it wasn't attractive to celebrate Black art and we're still doing it. Our authenticity has been the same along the way." As the Gordon Parks Foundation enters its third decade, it remains committed to ensuring that the photographer's powerful visual testimony continues to inspire future generations.
