Every year the Gordon Parks Foundation celebrates the work of Gordon Parks and his humanitarianism. The artist, who has captured history and cultural memory, has had a lasting impact on many of the artist we see today.
The foundation honored those who followed in Gordon Parks footsteps, such as: Vera Wang, Lorna Simpson, Ed Zwick and Irvin Mayfield. The night also included speeches from George Lucas, Swiss Beats, Chelsea Clinton and others.
The auction raised money to put towards scholarships for students from FIT, Ghetto Film School, SUNY Purchase, and Harlem School of Arts. The foundation raised well over one quarter million dollars, exceeding their target for the night. The auction was split in two parts, the second being an auction of Gordon Park’s work, which included portraits of Muhammed Ali and the group photo of famous rap artist, titled: “a great day for hip hop”.
The event ended with an amazing performance by the young, beautiful, and talented Janelle Monae, who performed ” Cold War”, as well as a cover of Jackson 5. A star studded night, with appearances from Alicia Keys, Karlie Kloss, Chrissy Tiegen, and “Girls” star Andrew Rannells.
See pictures from the night below: