GORDON PARKS shaped his own civil rights movement by living his mother’s warning, “Don’t come home with any excuses. If a white boy can do it, you can to.”

Life-long persistence fueled Gordon as he overcame homelessness before and during The Great Depression, earned a permanent role as Life magazine’s first black photojournalist; made, directed, and/or composed music for ten of his movies; wrote more than twenty books; performed with famous musicians; excelled at basketball and tennis; and taught himself to paint in later life. All without benefit of a high school diploma.

Gordon’s rich legacy lives on through his photography, gaining oohs and aahs in exhibits around the world, his own autobiographical writing, and the growing interest in his life’s story. He especially wanted his shared experiences to inspire young people and encourage them to live as though there is no higher priority than love for the world’s family.