Gordon Parks (1912-2006) was a multifaceted and pioneering figure of the 20th century, renowned as an American photographer, director, musician, and writer. His photographic career took off while working for the Farm Security Administration and later for *Life* magazine, where he became the first African American staff photographer. Through his photojournalism, he documented poverty, racism, and the civil rights struggle with profound humanity. Among his most iconic works are "American Gothic, Washington, D.C." (1942) and the photo essay on a Harlem family. As a director, he broke significant racial barriers in Hollywood by directing "The Learning Tree" (1969), based on his autobiography, and the cult film "Shaft" (1971), which defined the Blaxploitation genre. Also an author of novels and musical compositions, he received numerous accolades throughout his life, including the National Medal of Arts in 1988, a testament to his profound impact on American culture.