Who Is Gordon Parks? Age, Biography and Wiki
Gordon Parks was born on November 30, 1912, in Fort Scott, Kansas. He passed away on March 7, 2006, at the age of 93. An influential figure in the realms of photography and cinema, Parks was known for his poignant depictions of social issues, particularly those affecting African American communities. His work not only captured the realities of racism and poverty in mid-20th century America but also celebrated African American culture.
His legacy continues to inspire photographers, filmmakers, and activists around the world. For a more in-depth look at his life, visit Gordon Parks' Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Photographers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1912 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Fort Scott, Kansas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 7 March, 2006 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Gordon Parks's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific height and weight measurements of Gordon Parks are not well-documented due to the era he lived in, he was known for his vibrant personality and imposing presence, which contributed to his success in the arts.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gordon Parks was married twice in his life. His first marriage was to Sally Alvis in 1933, but they divorced in 1939. He then married his second wife, Janet K. Parks, who remained with him until his passing in 2006. Additionally, he had several children, which contributed to his rich family life and connections.
Currently, there is no information on any romantic relationships or partnerships beyond his two marriages, as his focus in later years appeared to be primarily on his art and legacy.
He was the youngest of 15 children. His father was a farmer who grew corn, beets, turnips, potatoes, collard greens, and tomatoes. They also had a few ducks, chickens, and hogs.
Net Worth and Salary
By the time of his death in 2006, Gordon Parks had amassed considerable wealth through his multiple careers in photography, filmmaking, and writing. His net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million. While specific figures regarding his salary varied over the years, his contributions to Vogue, Life Magazine, and several notable film projects significantly enhanced his financial status.
Career, Business and Investments
Parks began his career as a fashion photographer before moving into photojournalism, where he became known for his work capturing the struggles of the civil rights movement. He was the first African American photographer for Life Magazine, a position that gave him a platform to showcase social issues.
Beyond photography, Parks was also an accomplished filmmaker, directing films that explored themes of race and identity, including the 1971 classic "Shaft." In addition to his work in film, he published several books and composed music, showcasing his multifaceted talents across different art forms.
Over the next few years, Parks moved from job to job, developing a freelance portrait and fashion photographer sideline. He began to chronicle the city's South Side black ghetto and, in 1941, an exhibition of those photographs won Parks a photography fellowship with the FSA.
Social Network
Although Gordon Parks has been deceased since 2006, his presence in social media and the digital space continues to thrive. Various organizations and fan pages dedicated to his work celebrate his contributions and promote his legacy through contemporary platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. These channels serve as a bridge between his historical impact and modern audiences.
* One of Parks' photographs, 1956 Alabama, is used for the album cover of Common's Like Water for Chocolate. It is a photo of a young black woman in Alabama, dressed for church, and drinking from a "colored only" drinking fountain.
Education
Gordon Parks's formal education was limited due to financial constraints. He attended a segregated school in Fort Scott and later pursued opportunities to learn photography and art through workshops. His desire for education propelled him forward, allowing him to develop his skills independently, which ultimately led to his groundbreaking contributions to photography and film.
In conclusion, Gordon Parks' influence resonates even today through his remarkable body of work that continues to educate and inspire new generations. His story is not just one of personal achievement; it embodies the struggle and resilience of an entire community.
He attended a segregated elementary school. His high school had both black people and white people, because the town was too small for segregated high schools, but black students were not allowed to play sports or attend school social activities, and they were discouraged from developing aspirations for higher education.
Parks related in a documentary on his life that his teacher told him that his desire to go to college would be a waste of money.
