The Gordon Parks Foundation is set to host its highly anticipated Annual Awards Gala on May 21st, 2024, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. This gala serves as a tribute to the legendary Gordon Parks, a visionary photographer and multidisciplinary artist whose work resonates deeply with themes of social justice and the transformative power of creativity, and also recognizes other icons of Black culture.
The event will honor a diverse array of individuals who embody Parks’ spirit of activism and artistic excellence. Among the honorees are athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick, acclaimed mixed-media artist Mickalene Thomas, and civil rights activist Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of the late Medgar Evers. Sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys and Grammy Award-winning producer Kasseem Dean will be also be recognized as Patrons of the Arts for their contributions to the cultural landscape.
Our annual gala is a celebration of Gordon Parks’ lasting impact on art, film, music, and activism. We are proud to honor Colin, Alicia, Swizz, Richard, Mickalene, and Myrlie – all visionaries whose brilliant work and deep commitment to advancing social justice span multiple generations over 60 years and continue Parks’ legacy.
Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr., Executive Director of The Gordon Parks Foundation
The gala will also highlight the 2024 Gordon Parks Foundation Art Fellows, including photographer Larry W. Cook, activist and artist Tonika Lewis Johnson, and writing fellow D. Watkins. Additionally, the evening will feature a special tribute to actor Richard Roundtree, known for his role in Parks’ groundbreaking blaxploitation film Shaft, which continues to influence both cinema and music.
Presenters at the gala will include cultural luminaries such as Gayle King, Carrie Mae Weems, Spike Lee, and Tim Reid. The night will conclude with a DJ set by the legendary D-Nice.
All proceeds from the gala will support educational programming and fellowships provided by The Gordon Parks Foundation, ensuring that Parks’ legacy continues to inspire and empower future generations of creatives. Tickets for the event are available for purchase on the Foundation’s website, with prices starting at $2,000.
Leading up to the gala, an exhibition of Gordon Parks’ photographs from his book Born Black will be on display at the Jack Shainman Gallery, offering viewers a glimpse into Parks’ profound impact on American culture and society up through April 13, 2024. A new edition of Born Black, published in collaboration with Steidl, will provide deeper insight into his artistic vision and contributions and will be available at the gallery.
The Gordon Parks Foundation remains dedicated to advancing Parks’ legacy through its ongoing support of artistic and educational initiatives. Parks’ groundbreaking work continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide, ensuring his enduring influence on future generations of artists and activists alike. For more information, tickets, exhibitions, and more, visit their website.
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