Gordon Parks was a pioneering Black artist with achievements in many fields. But at heart he was a humanitarian with a deep passion for social justice. His “choice of weapon,” as he put it, was a camera he bought from a pawnshop for $7.50. With no formal training, he became one of the great photographers of the 20th century, becoming Life magazine’s first African American staff photographer and capturing iconic images of the Great Depression and life under Jim Crow. Parks then went on to become the first Black director of a major Hollywood film as well as a serious poet, writer, musician, and composer.

Join us on January 14, 2024 for a WYA screened the documentary "A Choice of Weapons; Inspired by Gordon Parks”. The film is a co-production of Kundhardt Films and HBO. This screening was made in partnership with the YoFifest. The film was provided by the Kunhardt Film Foundation.

Immediately preceding the film WYA teens will lead a Q&A surrounding Civil Rights in America. WYA teens, who spent the previous summer on a trip to Alabama inspired our Art & Activism series. 

This is the 2024 kick off to our Art & Activism series inspired by Gordon Park’s legacy. Participants will produce their own original Photo Essays and discuss the power of photography to move people to action.

For more information please contact our Program Director, Chloe Fernandez, at pd@westchesteryouthalliance.org.

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