from a Jackson statement….
CONG. JACKSON: GORDON PARKS A RENAISSANCE MAN
Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., speaking about the passing of Gordon Parks
today said, “Gordon Parks was a renaissance man. He was born poor and was
mostly self-educated, nevertheless he was able to soar to the top of
American arts and letters, mainly through his photo journalism – he was the
first African American photojournalist and worked for Life Magazine for 24
years – but also through his music, movies, poetry and other writings.
“Gordon Parks was a man with a mission and early in life he discovered that
photography could help to expose wrongs and help to make them right. As a
result, his photography exposed poverty on a worldwide basis, and he
contributed to the success of the American civil rights movement as well.
“Gordon Parks was a man with a mission and early in life he discovered that
photography could help to expose wrongs and help to make them right. As a
result, his photography exposed poverty on a worldwide basis, and he
contributed to the success of the American civil rights movement as well.
“In addition to his photography, Parks was the first leading African
American filmmaker, making movies like “The Learning Tree” and “Shaft,”
which paved the way for current filmmakers like John Singleton and Spike
Lee.
“Our condolences, prayers and gratitude are extended to Mr. Parks’ family
and friends,” Jackson concluded.
