February 14, 2013

 

LAWT News Service

This Black History Month, Macy’s, The Gordon Parks Foun­dation, American Black Film Festival and American Airlines celebrated the life, the legacy and the 100th birthday of Gordon Parks - visionary and artistic master who defined a generation and inspires artists today.

Macy’s Baldwin Hills welcomed guests to the “Soul Jam” dance party hosted in the MSTYLE LAB Department from 2 – 4pm featuring soul/funk music from the movie Shaft and live dance performances. Customers boogied to tunes from the 70s and took photos in the photo booth.

The celebration continued as Macy’s hosted “In Conversation” with actor/director Eric La Salle, founder of the American Black Film Festival; Jeff Friday, director/writer and Dave Baptist for a spirited discussion about Parks’ influence on film and the future of African American cinema. The moderator for the discussion was Vanessa Barnett, journalist for HipHollywood.com. The 300 plus crowd was in “awe” as actor Richard Roundtree made a special appearance paying homage to Parks.

Roundtree played the lead role in Shaft – the first Hollywood film, written, directed and scored by an African American. Roundtree joined the panel and shared personal stories and fond memories of Parks. Some of the discussion points included: who was Gordon Parks; how did his work tell the story about the black experience in America; the social responsibility of film makers to depict positive images of African Americans and how has Parks influenced a generation of film makers.

Following the discussion, customers enjoyed light refreshments by Post and Beam and wine provided by Estelline Vineyard. With “$50 or more” purchases made during the event, customers received a commemorative Gordon Parks journal and a copy of Eric La Salle’s new book, Laws of Depravity.

From February 1 – 28, visitors to macys.com/celebrate will be offered the opportunity to enter for the chance to win a trip for two to the American Black Film Festival in Miami and a $1000 Macy’s Shopping spree courtesy of American Airlines.

Category: Arts & Culture