Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month with Gordon Parks Part II

Last Saturday, I headed down to Macy’s at Lenox Square to witness a discussion with panelists Eriq La Salle from Coming to America and local Atlanta area gallery owner Arnika Dawkins. The subject of conversation last Saturday afternoon revolved around the fantastic works of Gordon Parks and its effects on the current state of African American film and television.

Enlightening would be a very modest term to use when it comes to really dissecting what the panelists thought of the enormous impact that Gordon Parks has had on the world as a whole with his talents and gifts. Eriq La Salle was very vocal in his opinions that the depiction of African Americans in film and television has taken a step backward but he feels that we are poised to move forward and social media will have a great impact in helping the movement.

Arnika Dawkins the owner of Arnika Dawkins Gallery spoke very candidly about how Gordon Parks’ imagery in The Segregation Story brought light to issues at the time that the South was facing and made them public. As a result she stated many in those towns were very embarrassed when those images were portrayed to the world. I plan on taking my son to see this exhibit in the coming weeks before it leaves because I really think he needs to see these images to understand just how truly blessed we are to not have to live under such conditions.

Here are two photos that I retrieved from Arnika Dawkins Gallery website, that are copyrighted to the Gordon Parks Foundation. So real. I couldn’t imagine and its even harder to imagine things were this way not even 100 year ago.

Awesome afternoon full of great information and fellowship. If this tour is making a stop near you I encourage you to go out and partake in an afternoon of learning and conversation. I have listed the remaining tour stops here.

Have your grandparents or older people shared stories with you about life during segregation? Since I’m originally from the north I didn’t get to hear such stories. I’m sure there are tons of life lessons to be learned in those stories.

I am a member of Everywhere Society. I was compensated for this post. However all opinions are mine…you already know!