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Gordon Parks Obituary
Parks, who also wrote fiction and was an accomplished composer, died in New York, his nephew, Charles Parks, said in a telephone interview from Lawrence, Kan.
"Nothing came easy," Parks wrote in his autobiography. "I was just born with a need to explore every tool shop of my mind, and with long searching and hard work. I became devoted to my restlessness."
He covered everything from fashion to politics to sports during his 20 years at Life, from 1948 to 1968.
But as a photographer, he was perhaps best known for his gritty photo essays on the grinding effects of poverty in the United States and abroad and on the spirit of the civil rights movement.
"Those special problems spawned by poverty and crime touched me more, and I dug into them with more enthusiasm," he said. "Working at them again revealed the superiority of the camera to explore the dilemmas they posed."
In 1961, his photographs in Life of a poor, ailing Brazilian boy named Flavio da Silva brought donations that saved the boy and purchased a new home for him and his family.
"The Learning Tree" was Parks' first film, in 1969. It was based on his 1963 autobiographical novel of the same name, in which the young hero grapples with fear and racism as well as first love and schoolboy triumphs. Parks wrote the score as well directed.
In 1989, "The Learning Tree" was among the first 25 American movies to be placed on the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. The registry is intended to highlight films of particular cultural, historical or aesthetic importance.
The detective drama "Shaft," which came out in 1971 and starred Richard Roundtree, was a major hit and spawned a series of black-oriented films. Parks himself directed a sequel, "Shaft's Big Score," in 1972.
He also published books of poetry and wrote musical compositions including "Martin," a ballet about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
326 Entries
Valenda Newell
August 10, 2016
WHAT A MAN....WHAT A MAN....WHAT A MAN....His brilliance made him unique like no other....His style was quite debonair....His talent was as a artist (producer, photographer, writer)....ONE IS MISSED...RIP
~V
January 1, 2014
May it comfort the family of Mr. Parks to know that Gordon has the hope of being found In God's book of remembrance. Malachi 3:16
Linda
May 24, 2013
A brilliant man. The earth is all the better for his having been on it. I would have liked to have met him in person, but I will have to console myself with his words and pictures.
Nazarene Mckinney
March 20, 2013
The Learning Tree was a was a poweful movie portraying a beautiful black family. Gordon Parks was an amazing man. I am deeply grateful that he shared his talent and left an enduring legacy.
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The Sanders and Gant Families
October 19, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
JL
October 16, 2010
My deepest regret is not having been born sooner. People like Mr. Parks just don't seem to exist anymore.
With love,
Wendy Carter
May 12, 2010
To The Family of Gordon Parks, Mr.Parks was an inspiration to me. I experienced the opportunity of a lifetime. I sat and talked Mr. Parks at the 1980 Black filmakers awards. The best advice he gave me about Photography was the "Let Your Photos speak life into existence". This was my and most memorable experience in my life. I actually encountered a visit with history.
Wendy Carter
May 12, 2010
To The Family of Gordon Parks, Mr.Parks was an inspiration to me. I experienced the opportunity of a lifetime. I sat and talked Mr. Parks at the 1980 Black Filmakers Awards in Oakland Ca. The best advice he gave me about Photography was the "Let Your Photos speak life into existence". This was my most memorable experience in my entire life. I actually crossed paths with a true historian.
Raymond Silvestre
May 6, 2010
You're memories will still remain in our hearts.. May GOD bless you!
LaDora Wilcox
May 5, 2010
Thank you Mr. Parks for breaking down
walls that some people said you could not do. RIP
God Bless.
Diane Joseph
April 20, 2010
I was just reading an email from Legacy.com and came across the article for Mr. Parks and learned an interesting piece of history that Mr. Parks directed Shaft which was a very powerful movie. I only knew of him for the powerful and sometimes intense photos he took.
April 1, 2010
For Gordon...As Hollywoods
first major black director
you blazed a trail that
many would follow.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Tracy Gauff
March 29, 2009
Your spirit will be missed.
joan,ashley,kyle,david pulliam,overton,hill
August 16, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Daren & Sharon Clark
July 10, 2008
I was sadden to know that we had lost a great man,whom I had recently discovered. I had not realized that Gordon Parks was the creator of all the great works...Thank you for making us aware of the beauty of this Earth.
Miracle
June 21, 2008
I sorry to hear about your lost and I would like to share with the family a comforting scripture at John11:25" Jesus said I am the resurrction and the life he that exercises faith in me, even though he dies will come to life.
john stimmel
May 11, 2007
thank you all revjohntrader prayer group yahoo
Debbye Monteiro
March 31, 2007
My condolences to the Parks family. I remember as a young child, looking into the eyes (photos) of this distinguished looking gentleman. His eyes seemed to talk, he has inspired me to dream and to persues my dreams to fuishon.
A tallented man not to be forgotton. I sign off with love and respect.
An Mays
September 9, 2006
Mr. Gordon Parks,
I have been such a great admirer of your work from the time I was introduced to your first film, "The Learning Tree". I recall meeting you on several occasions in St. Paul, Mn. I worked under your nephew Mr. Bobby Hickman at the Inner City Youth Cntr. for several years. You gave me your autograph which to this day sits framed on my desk along w. August Wilson's.
May you rest in peace and God rest his wonderful soul. You have left us w. much great work to continue to admire. Everytime I take pictures, I think of your eye in the lense.
Someone Who Cares!
God Bless.
S Miller
August 13, 2006
To The Bereaved Family
of Mr. Gordon Parks,
I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Gordon Parks.
Mr. Gordon Parks was well loved and admired by the Washington, DC and worldwide communities for his wonderful insight into the plight of the Black community and his honest and artistic depiction of it.
My Family and I extend our deepest condolences to the Family of Mr. Gordon Parks.
Mrs. S. R. Miller
Senior Member,
The Anacostia Gazette
Liz Nix
June 22, 2006
Only now, researching his life, can I truly appreciate the artistry and genius of Gordon Parks, a national treasure. He lives on in his artistic expressions. My sincere sympathy to his children, grandchildren, and godchildren.
Barclay Family
June 1, 2006
The learning tree is bearing fruit thanks to you!
Patricia Roland
May 24, 2006
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Jessica James
April 2, 2006
I am only thirteen and I am inspired by this man. At first, although I hate to admit it, I was not thrilled at being assigned a movie director to write a report on. But then I learned about him, delved into his history, and I now know his impact on this world. And it is incredible. I am happy, nay, HONOURED that I am able to write a report on this man and show this to my class, to show what a great man Mr. Parks was.
I give my condolences to the Parks family, because such a death must have horrible affects.
Although I never met the man, I would, now, have LOVED to meet a man of his stature.
much love, and hope that the Parks family with have much luck in the future,
Jessica James
Mrs. Lewis
March 30, 2006
My truest & deepest sympathy to the Parks Family - Nothing prepared me for the news announcing Mr. Parks' death. A friend from NY called me and asked me if I heard the sad news and she knew how many years I've talked about meeting Mr. Gordon Parks yet our paths never crossed. I saw him on Oprah which was the closest I'd ever been! Truly an inspiration to many, including myself. I hope that the media does a special on his life so that many may gain closure. Again, my deepest condolences, sympathy and gratitude for such a person though we never met. Please take comfort in the the Holy Bible, particularly Isaiah 25:8,9 where by means of Jesus Christ, Almighty God will "swallow up death forever." Perhaps that day will come sooner than we can imagine!
Betty Hyatt-Pierson
March 29, 2006
I wrote earlier on the 8th I had planned to attend the funeral. I was home on the l6th recovering from pneumonia. I left a small bouquet of blue flowers at the cemetery yesterday. I don't know why, but I thought blue flowers seemed appropriate. The sky was a pretty blue with a few clouds, a perfect Spring day. The three sprays from the funeral were still there in spite of recent high winds. There seemed to be such a calm atmosphere in the area by Mr. Parks' final resting place. When I went to the other end of the cemetery to my family stones, there were workmen and occasional traffic on the road. I didn't have that peaceful feeling. I will be back down there Memorial Day weekend and leave flowers again, nothing extraordinary, just a token thought for a photographer and writer that so inspired me and so many others. He felt like family to so many. Thank you for sharing your daddy with all of the world. I drove by the church yesterday. Our family members attended that church until they passed away. Both family homes are west at the corner of Holbrook and 3rd. Thinking of you and may God bless you.
Betty Hyatt-Pierson
Emporia, KS
Speaking of fathers...
As ill as my father is, my parents did reach their 60th wedding anniversary March 21. I feel that is a miracle in itself.
D. Westbrook
March 28, 2006
Mr. Parks will be missed so much. He was truly a man who set a fine example in life. We all enjoyed 'The Learning Tree', but Mr. Parks gave us so much more. I hope that John 5:28,29 will give you peace.
Donna R. Pattee-Ballard
March 20, 2006
I am a teacher of the history of photography. I have always loved to show Mr. Parks work. It has inspired several of my students to use photography to try to improve the ills of this world. The man will be missed and his work will always continue to inspire.
Jesse Williams.Ph.D.
March 19, 2006
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles. . . ."
--- II CORINTHIANS 1:3, 4 NIV
Jack Stapleton
March 19, 2006
To Mr. Park's family.
I had the priviledge as a teen of meeting Mr. Parks and spending two evenings with him and Mrs. Parks when he was in Ft. Scott filming the Learning Tree. He was an inspiration to me not only for his multitude of talents, but also for his kindness and sincerity.
My sympathy for your loss.
Sincerely,
Bill n Sandra Abernathy
March 18, 2006
Welcome home, son.
Thanks for all you did to set the record straight!
Dale Bell
March 18, 2006
I am so very glad that I got the chance to see you and shake your hand. I will continue to read your books, admire your photos and be blessed because you came this way.
Jonathan Hustis
March 18, 2006
Gordon Parks first spoke to me when I was a teenager in the 1960s, through his photographs and then his memoir called "A Choice of Weapons." This one-sided conversation continued for me throughout the rest of his life and works, most recently through his final memoir "Hungry Hearts." Gordon Parks put to admirable use his gift for humanity, the ability to stir yearnings for beauty, truth, and justice. He shared with us a perspective on the world that was vibrant, passionate, loving, and considerate. His gifts continue to light a worthy path, through the outer glow of his life's art, and through the inner light that he lit in many hearts and minds. So, read his books, look into his photographs, and, while doing so, learn how you too might speak truth to power, to feel compassion before indifference, and to choose creation over destruction.
D. Washington
March 18, 2006
I saw you speak once and after the lecture I so desperately wanted to just say "hi." But I was to nervous to speak to my idol so I stood very close and said nothing. I've always regreted not speaking but I cherish the fact that I was fortunate enough to see and hear your words directly from you. There is no one like Gordon Parks and I don't think there ever will be. You will be missed!
Ann Hayes
March 18, 2006
Gordon, what can one say except that you will be greatly missed.You have shown the world that no matter what the obstacles are you can and will overcome them.
Kathy Durham
March 18, 2006
To me even though I never met Mr Parks He seemed to be a very classy man. I read his book " Voices in the Mirror" and was very impressed by how candid he was. He has come full circle. He was born here in Kansas and now here he rests. Welcome Home Gordon Parks. And to his family: Thanks for making this last journey possible.
Frances Owens Haywood
March 18, 2006
Your contributions to the world and your legacy to your people will always be remembered and cherished. You are now at home, rest in peace.
Terry Brown
March 17, 2006
I never actually met Mr. Parks, but I am old enough I remember him being back here in Fort Scott filming The Learning Tree, he was a very dignified and professional man.
God rest his soul. He is now at peace.
Tyrone Hych
March 17, 2006
My prayers are with the Parks family as they say goodby to a true gaint of our time. As a fellow Kansan, I have lost someone who inspired me to rise above how I was viewed by others. Through his pictures, movies and writings I gained inspritation to be my best and do my best as I know he has and will continue inspire others.
Rick Collins
March 17, 2006
Your talent will be greatly missed. May your family find peace and happiness in your long life. The Lord grant you that sweet peace that we all seek. Rest now Gordon, your job is complete.
Mary Ann (Riley) Brennan
March 17, 2006
I never knew Mr. Parks personally, but I felt that I knew him from following his career over the years. I have always admired him for his achievments, his raw courage, his gentle strength. Because he was willing to embrace the odds that were against him, we were blessed and honored to embrace him.
Kevin Hull
March 17, 2006
You Will Be REmeber And Not Forgotten. I Enjoyed watching The learning Tree. It Was great,Just as You Were.We Will Mess You Deeply.
TIM RICHARDSON
March 17, 2006
MR. PARKS WAS A HERO OF MINE WHEN I STARTED JOURNALISM AND PHOTOGRAPHY IN HIGH SCHOOL. I FINALLY HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET HIM WHEN HIS MOVIE "SHAFT" PREMIERED IN ST. LOUIS. WHAT A GREAT TALENT AND GENTLEMAN
Jim and Jo Ann Nixon
March 17, 2006
We met Mr. Parks in 2003 at Fort Scott during the Gordon Parks Celebration. He was a great man and we will remember him for all his contributions to society. We are very proud that he chose to come home.
Dave & Shirley Wurth
March 17, 2006
I met Gordon at the KC airport and toured with him for the day in 1978. Shirley was Chair of the National Council of Teachers of English Convention in KC. Gordon was the main presenter at Banquet. We had a great day, and I instantly was impressed with his warmth and genius. We visited Gate's BarBQ downtown, where he met old friends. He met old friends everywhere. Today he is with his best friends. We wait to see him again. With Love, Dave & Shirley
Mike Houser & Lisa Gutierrez
March 17, 2006
Thank God that you are now "home".We will never forget you. Your teachings will be your legacy and an example for all of us.
RUBY BRADSHAW
March 17, 2006
SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF A GREAT PERSON. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO GIVE YOU STRENGHT.
Janice Parker
March 17, 2006
What a difference he made in so many lives. Such talents. Rest in Peace
M. Anne Colum
March 17, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Mr. Parks shall live forever as an inspiration to all. He was a very special role model for humanity not just people of color.
Robert Kuhn
March 17, 2006
Thanks for a lifetime of memories through pictures. A legacy that is gone but not soon forgotten....
Diana Cavin
March 16, 2006
Thank you Mr. Parks. Fort Scott is a better place because of you. We welcome you home.
Tyree Amala
March 16, 2006
To The Bereaved Family and Friends of Brother Gordon Parks,
I wish to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brother “Baba” Gordon Parks.
Baba Gordon Parks was well loved and admired by the Washington, DC and worldwide communities for his wonderful insight into the plight of the Black community and his honest and artistic depiction of it.
The family of The Anacostia Gazette and I extend our deepest condolences to the Worldwide family and friends of Baba Gordon Parks.
Tyree Amala
Editor,
The Anacostia Gazette
Roy, Kathleen & Kimberly Colum
March 16, 2006
Thanks for the memories.
Denise Mangen
March 15, 2006
Susan Sontag wrote that "reality is understood as plural, fascinating, and up for grabs..." Mr. Parks showed us just that in his life and his work. What a wonderful legacy he has left!
Victor Robinson
March 14, 2006
To the Parks family:
May Mr. Gordon Parks have a "peaceful journey" to the after life and may the family of Mr. Gordon Parks find comfort and peace during this sorrowful time. He lived a long and plentiful life, not too many get to see 90 plus years, on this earth. He was blessed. God Bless you all.
Robin Hill
March 14, 2006
My mother introduced me to the works of Gordon Parks some 30 years ago when I was a teenager growing up in the Midwest. Like many things (books, movies, ideas) she introduced me to, his works had a profound influence on me, and, I hope, made me more aware of the world around me. As I pack for a trip to sunnier climes, my tattered paperback copy of A Choice of Weapons rests at the top of my suitcase.
Jeanette Purvis
March 13, 2006
Very well done Mr. Parks.
Rest in peace.
Stuart Thurlkill
March 13, 2006
Gordon had an impact on me long before I met him. His creative energy and hunger to explore the world and express himself in so many different ways has inspired my creative journey. When I met Gordon at a gallery opening of his work in Florida it was impressed upon me that he wanted to ADD to the beauty.
May the Grace of God lift you during this time of tears!
Tim Jones
March 13, 2006
As a child, I was deeply moved by your incredible photos, influencing me to become a photojournalist, and later, a college professor. Every semester my students see your work, and every semester they are moved by your insight into the human condition. There is no adequate way to thank you for the positive influence you have had, are having and no doubt will continue to have on society and those who take up the quest to "tell the truth with a camera."
John Creighton
March 11, 2006
Goodbye Gordon:
Thank you for the memorable 3 weeks we spent together in South Africa on behalf of Kodak and the American Embassy. I am honored to have had the opportunity to get to know you. Your contributions to American culture will be cherished forever.
Rich Glickstein
March 11, 2006
I met Gordon Parks once, at the Eddie Adams Workshop in 1998. He was one of the most gracious and generous people at the workshop and took time to not just speak with, but listen to many of the 100 students there. It's that kind of and care for budding photographers that is merely a small part of what made Mr. Parks a great man and artist. The one thing I'll always remember about the workshop is John White of the Chicago Sun Times who had the unenviable fortune to follow Mr. Parks as a speaker. John White stood at the podium, grasped it with both his hands and looked down at his feet. He started his talk with eloquence. "I have to pause to reflect," he started. "Because I'm standing where my idol just stood." Rest in peace.
J. Bruce Baumann
March 11, 2006
Gordon Parks was a national treasure. His work influenced several generations of photojournalists. But it was his willingness to explore every aspect of the world around him that made him an icon. Life will miss him.
Dick Van Nostrand
March 11, 2006
Mr. Parks' photography in early issues of Life Magazine influenced me to begin a successful newspaper career which lasted 34 years. I have The Learning Tree and Choice of Weapons, both autographed by him, that are my most treasured possessions. May God bless Mr. Parks and the Parks family.
Carolyn Martin
March 10, 2006
I express my sympathy to Mr. Park's family for the loss of their precious loved one. The world has also lost a wonderful artist, photographer and man.
Shelia Walker
March 10, 2006
Thank you Mr. Parks,for the great pictures for all the world to see.
You were the Best! Rest in Peace!
Veronica Hickman
March 10, 2006
I have always admired Mr.Parks works. His photos truly captured life. He will never be forgotten.
dee Webb
March 10, 2006
Well done thy good and faithful servant
GwenDolyn Yarborough
March 10, 2006
Well done Mr. Parks.....enjoy your journey into ancestoryhood. Thank you God/Creator for breathing life into his soul and giving him such wonderful gifts that he shared with humans on this planet.
MARIA BUTLER
March 10, 2006
I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS TO THE FAMILY OF MR. GORDON PARKS MY SINCERE AND HEARTFELT SYMPATHY. HE WAS AN EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED, REMARKABLE, AND MAGNIFICENT HUMAN BEING. HE HAS BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE AN INSPIRATION TO MANY. HIS WORK SPEAKS FOR ITS SELF AND WILL UNDOUBTEDLY STAND THE TEST OF TIME.
MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE PARKS FAMILY IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
MAY GOD CONTINUALLY BLESS AND STRENGTHEN EACH ONE OF YOU.
MR. PARKS LIFE MADE A DIFFERENCE. HE FORGED THE WAY FOR MANY MINORITIES TO FOLLOW.
TAKE COURAGE IN KNOWING THAT IF YOU HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU HAVE A HARD TIME UNDERSTANDING OR COPING WITH YOUR LOSS THAT GOD KNOWS AND HE IS NEAR TO THOSE WHO ARE BROKEN AT HEART.
MR. PARKS, YOU WERE AN ICON TO THE AFRICAN AMERICAN PEOPLE.
THANK YOU SIR FOR EVERYTHING. THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU IN MY LIFETIME.
windell singleton
March 10, 2006
You were an icon to the african american people.I wish that i could have been the one to carry your legacy on.Thank you sir for everything. ALWAYS PRAY.
Claudia Ward
March 10, 2006
You have left a legacy for all to admire and follow.
We will surely miss you and can only hope to capture a small bit of what you taught us.
Respectfully,
Claudia Ward
photographer
Jim Hunter
March 10, 2006
Gordon Parks was a remarkable, magnificent and exceptionally talented human being. He has been and will continue to be an inspiration to many, many generations of photographers. His work speaks for its self and will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
Secret Angel
March 10, 2006
Feel the angels surrounding you at this very difficult time.
Love, your
V. Everett
March 10, 2006
Courage, inspiration,and tactfullness is the way I viewed Mr. Parks' works. He will be missed.May God bless the family & the legacy he leaves behind.
Diane Strand
March 10, 2006
I was truly honored to call this very talented and wonderful man Uncle. Uncle Gordon, I will always treasure the times I was able to visit with you. . .but I will regret not letting you cook dinner for me. Thank you for the wonderful gifts you have left for the world to enjoy.
God bless you and everyone that loves you.
MC Santana
March 10, 2006
I love looking at the face of my students when I show your work. Their eyes shine with a combination of admiration and wonder...THANK YOU for your life of work!
Laura Lowe
March 10, 2006
I'm a studnet at Uniontown High School in Uniontown Kansas. It was my 10 grade when I hard about Gordon Parks. There is no words that you could say about Mr. Park because he is all of the above words that you can say about him. He did do alot in his time that no other people could do if they wonted to do. I don't get to met Gordon Park, but if I did I would ask how did you do it all those year of your life?. The time that he had with us we would like to thank you for it.
Chandra robinson
March 10, 2006
Thanks for all you have done. You will be missed but not forgotten. God bless!!!
Carole Simmons
March 10, 2006
Thank you for showing what can be done when you put your mind to it. What a great life.
Robert Watkins
March 10, 2006
A great man that will be missed by us all. God Bless his family.
Tonnie Peoples
March 10, 2006
Looking at mr.parks work that he has done in his life time give me great respect for him.
MICHAEL BAILEY
March 10, 2006
I was lucky to meet Mr. Parks, after one of his lectures at the Nelson-Atkins Gallery of Art, about 10 years ago. Being a photographer myself, I was inspired by his courage of not letting anger get the best of him during his early days at Life magazine. He was gracious enough to autograph one of his books for me after the lecture.
I was honored!
Kurt Wimmer
March 10, 2006
I met Mr. Parks when I was a young photojournalist assigned to photograph him. Needless to say, it was daunting. He was incredibly encouraging. He wrote "work hard" on the back of a piece of film for me and signed his name. Even though I changed careers to become an attorney representing photojournalists, Mr. Parks' advice and encouragement means as much to me today as it did 25 years ago. He was a giant. We will miss him.
Clyde Bowden & family
March 10, 2006
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family. We will always remember his great writings, etc. Many blessngs. Our love & care.
Barbara Audet
March 10, 2006
What cannot be said about his photojournalism. His approach was participatory in an era when that was not popular, yet it was so right. As others did, he bought a camera and just started to document his world. What set him apart is that is eye and his empathy were firmly linked.
Nolan Burrus
March 10, 2006
As a very young person I was introduced to Ms. Ballanger, Mr. Parks sister and to the Hickman family in Minnesota. On the few occassions that I was priviledged to meet Mr. Parks I remember him as a tall, eloquent man. His works had a constant presence in our home and our mom Nancy made sure we knew his name and his projects. He is a giant of a legend...I am glad he walked with us
C Dell-Irvin
March 10, 2006
Mr. Gordon Parks was a remarkable African American. He has contributed to so such in his lifetime to bring awareness to poverty and many other issues that we as African American face and continue to deal with. He had many God-given talents which he used.
He was truly a GREAT American!
May you rest in peace, Mr. Parks.
Cora Asadi
March 10, 2006
Mr. Parks so stately, so handsome, so visonary, so steadfast, has has graced earth and now has transitioned. His works will be known to mankind forever, his eye opening pictures exposing the conditions of poverty and raciscm has made us better. Thanks Mr. Parks.
Sebrena Rogers/Davis
March 10, 2006
To the Parks family. May God watch over you all, during your time of bereavement to give ou love strength and guidance. Know that your family is in our family prayers. Sincerely Sebrena & family
Vernon Hayes
March 10, 2006
Thank you brother for a life well lived. We stand on the shoulders of so many great Black men like you who have succeeded in spite of the obstacles. We honor you and pray that your family will be blessed.
Harry Senopoulos
March 10, 2006
To The Parks Family:
We are sorry for your loss, and grateful for how your family has touched our family over the years.
Peace and Love to all
Ann of Florida
March 10, 2006
Thanks for your beautiful and hard work. It made me proud have been able to share and enjoy your work that will always be a part of History. A life well spent, a job well done, now your race has been runned.
Grant Carrera
March 10, 2006
Thank-you sir,for all the captions of american history of archives;& telling it like it really was in the american south,& abroad.You have been blessed with enormous rightousness,foresight,strenght,att
ention to details;in depicting the world.An american treasure,will be greatly missed dearly.Thank-you sir for the memories of your lifetime,& part of ours.Grant Carrera
nancy hermann
March 10, 2006
my heart goes out to his family.
god bless everyone.
Dave Hamer
March 9, 2006
With great respect.
Dave Hamer
A Past President
National Press Photographers Association
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