Our Time With a Legend

By Toni Laws

Among the many media tributes to the life of Gordon Parks, I need to add my own recollection. About a year ago, this icon and personal hero welcomed then NAMME chairman Vaughn Benjamin, videographer Jim Richards and me into his home to interview him about his life and his career for a short film to air at our banquet as winner of NAMME’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

His Manhattan apartment at the United Nations Plaza overlooking the East River reflected the life and still-lively mind of this 92-year-old Renaissance man. Filmed amidst his books, art, and his 50 or so honorary degrees, Gordon Parks was a gracious host who expressed sincere gratitude in receiving recognition by NAMME. During our visit, Parks spoke of things he wished to accomplish in the time he had left. I take comfort from the image of him playing the piano and composing the poems and other works he wished to create for his family, his people, his country and the world.

We at NAMME thank him for the legacy of his work and his generosity of spirit.

View our interview with Gordon Parks.(5'05)