(BLACK PR WIRE) – NEW YORK — From one icon to another, this February Macy’s (NYSE:M), an American retail institution, salutes American cultural hero Gordon Parks in celebration of Black History Month. Via special events and exhibits at select stores across the country, Macy’s will honor the legacy of this artistic master who chronicled and defined a generation and whose work continues to inspire artists today.
A humanitarian with a deep commitment to social justice, Gordon Parks was one of the seminal figures of twentieth century photography. From the early 1940s until his death in 2006, Parks created a body of work that documents many of the most important aspects of American culture, with a focus on race relations, poverty, Civil Rights and urban life. In addition, Parks was a celebrated composer, author and filmmaker who interacted with many of the most prominent people of his era — from politicians and artists to celebrities and athletes. In 1969 he became the first African-American to write and direct a Hollywood feature film based on his bestselling novel “The Learning Tree.” This was followed in 1971 by the hugely successful motion picture “Shaft.”
“Macy’s is thrilled to partner with The Gordon Parks Foundation and the American Black Film Festival to honor the legacy and work of famed artistic master Gordon Parks,” said Dineen Garcia, Macy’s vice president of Diversity Strategies. “Exemplary Americans like Gordon Parks serve to inspire generations with a rich legacy of achievement that crosses boundaries and continues to inform and inspire the work of those who follow in their footsteps. From photography to film and music, Gordon Parks is the perfect American hero to honor during Black History Month celebrations at Macy’s.”
“The Gordon Parks Foundation is pleased to partner with Macy’s to celebrate the centennial of Gordon Parks for Black History Month. Parks’ genius was based on the respect and trust he brought to his subjects not only through the lens of his camera but through his own personal story. Macy’s is committed to keeping icons like Gordon Parks in the public eye to inspire future generations,” said Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr. executive director, The Gordon Parks Foundation.