Kimberly Murray Photography

“We need more mavericks.”  That is the conclusion that Eriq La Salle (actor, director, writer, producer) came to when discussing the life of Gordon Parks and the influence he had on African American cinema during Macy’s Black History Month event.  Joined by gallery owner, Arnika Dawkins, Mr. La Salle responded to questions by CBS Better Mornings personality, Tracye Hutchins, in front of a standing-room-only crowd at Macy’s Lenox Square Mall on Saturday, February 16.

During the “In Conversation” event, Mr. La Salle told the audience that Gordon Parks was a maverick; he wasn’t afraid to chart his own course and champion for what he felt was right and just.  Stories were shared about the ways in which Gordon Parks made an impact on a global scale, such as when he spent time with a family living in one of Brazil’s favelas (slums) and was touched by a child with tuberculosis.  Gordon Parks sent powerful images back to the United States that inspired people to donate money and inquire how they could help.  Eventually, because of his images, the child was permitted to enter the United States to get the treatment he needed.

Ms. Dawkins reminded us that Gordon Parks used the camera as his weapon of choice.  (“A Choice of Weapons” is also the title of one of Gordon Parks’ books that I am reading.)  He used that tool to empower communities and to visually tell stories that would otherwise be left untold.  Those stories include “The Segregation Story,” which can be viewed at the Arnika Dawkins Gallery until March 29, 2013.

In addition to being a prolific photographer, Gordon Parks was a Renaissance man.  He went from being declared stillborn to being homeless to buying a camera for $7.50 and becoming a photographer, composer, author, and filmmaker.  He did all of this before his death at the age of 93.  He was able to be so accomplished because of his integrity and work ethic, said Mr. La Salle.  In his opinion, those qualities will serve you well regardless of your profession.  In fact, Mr. La Salle said that we live in an era that can be described as the “Wild Wild West.”  That is, we can pursue and achieve our dreams without having millions of dollars.  For example, if you want to film a movie, you can do that with “tenacity, your imagination, a strong work ethic,” and your cell phone.  That fact should empower us!

At the conclusion of the discussion, singer Chip Days shared his gift with the crowd, and Mr. La Salle signed copies of his new book, “Laws of Depravity.”

Prior to the discussion, there was an event for kids.  Little artists got a chance to design their own book and receive a special gift from a balloon artist.  (I must say that I loved that Macy’s had multicultural crayons for the kids to use!)

I was so excited about this Macy’s Black History Month event!  To see Gordon Parks’ work up close and be surrounded by people who admire and respect his work was priceless.  I know that I will be inspired each time that I write in the journal that I received at the event.  Also, I cannot wait to check out more of his work at the Arnika Dawkins Gallery.  “The Segregation Portfolio” will be exhibited until March 29, 2013.  If you’d like to view it, you can visit the Arnika Dawkins Gallery at 4600 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA 30331.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and received compensation for this post.  However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.