Award recipient dies at 93
Gordon Parks received this year's William Allen White citation
By Nicole Kelley
Wednesday, March 8th, 2006
Photojournalist Gordon Parks died Tuesday afternoon at the age of 93. Parks, who was awarded the William Allen White Foundation’s 2006 National Citation by school of journalism dean Ann Brill in last month,achieved fame not only as a photographer but also as a poet, author and director. He was the first African-American photographer to shoot for Life and Vogue magazines.
Photojournalist Gordon Parks died Tuesday afternoon at the age of 93.
Journalism school dean Ann Brill recently gave Parks the William Allen White Foundation’s 2006 National Citation. The award is given annually to someone who has achieved a significant accomplishment in journalism.
In his lifetime, Parks achieved fame not only as a photographer but also as a poet, author and director. He was the first African-American photographer to shoot for Life and Vogue magazines, and the first African-American to give a speech at the University of Missouri.
Rich Clarkson, fellow photographer and KU alumnus, said in addition to all the things Parks did creatively, he also played a significant role in the civil rights movement of the country.
“Gordon was one of the most artistic of all Kansans, who touched so many people in so many amazing ways,” he said.
A collection of Parks’ photographs is on display through March at the Spencer Museum of Art.
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