In this compelling British documentary, the life and impact of Gordon Parks, the only Negro staff photographer at LIFE magazine, are explored. Not only was Parks a talented photographer, but he also made his mark as a composer, author, and film director. As a black man in a predominantly white industry, Parks felt compelled to exceed expectations, believing he had to be far more productive and talented than his colleagues to secure his position and prove his worth.
The film also features Devin Allen, a photographer who gained recognition for capturing the poignant images of the Black Lives Matter protests and riots in Baltimore. Allen shares a moment when he stumbled upon Parks' work during a visit to Barnes & Noble, where he saw photographs illustrating gang life in Harlem. This experience led him to appreciate the profound power of photography in storytelling. His career skyrocketed in 2015, after he took a striking photograph during the uprising at Camden Yards that became the cover of TIME magazine.
Reflecting on his journey, Parks noted that although he might have selected a gun or knife as his weapon, he ultimately chose the camera as a means to express his perspective on the pervasive injustices facing African Americans. Growing up in the South, he experienced the harsh realities of lynching and racial terrorism firsthand. This upbringing fostered a duality in Parks' personality—one persona shared with white society and another reserved for his family. After the tragic deaths of several friends, his mother moved him away from Kansas, propelling him to take a job as a waiter on a train, where he would encounter the nation's complex landscape, often marred by poverty and addiction.
Parks honed his photography skills from training manuals, using his kitchen as a makeshift studio and crafting light sources from tin cans. He aimed to highlight the dignity and artistry in the daily lives of ordinary black individuals, selling his work to newspapers. In 1942, he received a significant fellowship allowing him to serve as a photographer for the Farm Security Administration in Washington, D.C., documenting the challenges faced by families impacted by the Dust Bowl under the mentorship of Roy Stryker. One of Parks' notable projects involved photographing a dedicated cleaning woman named Ellen Watson, capturing her essence in a series of intimate images that painted a vivid picture of her life.
Inspired by Parks, artist Latoya Ruby Frazier endeavored to impact the world through photography. In 2016, she was tasked by Elle magazine to document the Flint water crisis, where she met Shea Cobb and her daughter, Zion. This encounter led to an ongoing visual narrative over four years, echoing the themes of empathy and presence that Parks had instilled in her.
Parks’ collaborations with literary figures like Ralph Ellison, particularly on topics concerning the psychology of Harlem and his visionary project on "The Invisible Man," marked pivotal moments in his career. By approaching LIFE magazine with a portfolio that included the stories of Harlem's gang leaders, he broke barriers as the first African American photographer on the staff. His relationship with gang leader Red Jackson illustrates this as he documented Jackson's daily life, weaving in personal stories of love and tragedy, including a heart-wrenching moment when he captured the aftermath of a gang member's death.
Moreover, Jamel Shabazz shares his perspective from his vast experience photographing youth in Brooklyn, motivated by a wish to inspire rather than see them fall victim to the streets. Parks' legacy blossomed further as he took powerful images of Alabama’s segregated life during the mid-1950s, showcasing the bitter contrast between black and white living conditions, particularly following the gruesome murder of Emmett Till.
As the narrative unfolds, Ava DuVernay underscores the intimate connection established by Parks between his subjects and the camera, drawing parallels to actors' efforts to resonate with audiences emotionally. The documentary highlights that Parks' storytelling extended beyond social justice, spanning genres from photojournalism to fashion and capturing a wide spectrum of human experience.
With iconic figures like Gloria Vanderbilt, Parks was able to bridge the gap between different societal classes, gaining respect across racial divides. In the late 1960s, he became a significant voice, navigating the complexities of race and crime, ultimately culminating in significant journalistic achievements that shaped public perceptions of black Americans.
The concluding segments of the documentary showcase Parks’ interactions with major cultural icons such as Malcolm X and how Parks' work became foundational in movements for racial justice. He developed a complex rapport with the Nation of Islam, which not only gained him unprecedented access to photograph the community but also earned him the respect of its leaders.
Parks also inspired future generations of photographers, including Devin Allen, who learned that emotion and context often speak louder than clarity in a photograph. The documentary beautifully encapsulates Parks’ relentless spirit, creativity, and his aspiration to tell stories that encourage change, ultimately leaving a lasting legacy that resonates with today’s artists and activists.
