C-Style Magazine: Highlights: Macy's Black History Month Salute To Gordon Parks

From one icon to another, this February, Macy’s saluted American cultural hero Gordon Parks in celebration of Black History Month.

Special events and exhibits at select stores across the country, including Macy’s on State Street; honored the legacy of this artistic master who chronicled and defined a generation and whose work continues to inspire artists today.

A humanitarian with a deep commitment to social justice, Gordon Parks was one of the seminal figures of twentieth century photography. From the early 1940s until his death in 2006, Parks created a body of work that documents many of the most important aspects of American culture, with a focus on race relations, poverty, Civil Rights and urban life.

In addition, Parks was a celebrated composer, author and filmmaker who interacted with many of the most prominent people of his era—from politicians and artists to celebrities and athletes. He was also a noted composer and author, and in 1969 became the first African American to write and direct a Hollywood feature film based on his best-selling novel The Learning Tree.

This was followed in 1971 by the hugely successful motion picture Shaft.

Thursday, February 14, Macy’s on State Street, celebrated the life of Gordon Parks with a viewing of iconic images with their photographic art installation featuring some of his most beloved works, such as American Gothic, Washington D.C. 1942.

Attendees also got the chance to participate “In Conversation” with actor and author, Eriq La Salle, professional photographer Terrence A. Reese, and Pemon Rami, Director of Education Services and Public Programs at DuSable Museum of African-American History. The evening was moderated by Dr. Carol Adams, President and CEO of the DuSable Museum of African American History, for a spirited discussion on Gordon Parks’s influence on film and the future of African-American cinema.

Following the discussion, guests enjoyed light refreshments, were treated to makeovers, and had the opportunity to receive an autographed copy of Eriq's new book "Laws of Depravity."