Gordon Parks Part 3 and 4

1. What is your definition of successful?         

My definition of successful is to accomplish the things I want to do.  

1. What have you given up to become successful?

I have given up my own personal time to do things I want to do.  I also gave up my family time to work on my school work.

1. What did Parks give up to become successful?

He gave up a stable family life to become successful.

1. Who was Genevieve Young's father?

He was a rich business man.

1. How much was Parks advanced to write his first book (and eventual best-selling autobiography)?

Parks was advanced about $10,000 for the first seven or so pages.

1. How much money did Elijah Muhammad offer Parks to do a story on The Nation of Islam?

He was offered at least $50,000.

1. Why did Parks refuse the money?

Parks refused the money because he could not bring himself to represent a religion he didn't believe in.

1. What was significant about the movie The Learning Tree?

The Learning Tree was the first Hollywood movie to be directed by an African American.

1. What was significant about the character Shaft?

Shaft was a role model to many African American children.  He was shown as a superhero.

1. What was Gordon Parks' choice of weapons?

Gordon Park's choice of weapons was a roll of film and a camera.

1. What reason did Genevieve Young give for the divorce?

She said that she was worn out for taking care of Parks's turmoil.  Gordon was also away from home a lot.  This relationship caused her career to set back.

1. In 1984, Parks directed Solomon Northrup's Odyssey. What recent feature film told the same story?

12 Years a Slave

1. Who was Gordon Parks, jr?

Gordon Parks Jr. was Gordon Park's son.  He died in a plane crash.

1. What is your favorite Gordon Parks photo?

My favorite Gordon Parks photo is the American Gothic photo.

1. What will you remember about Gordon Parks in ten years?

In ten years, I will remember that Gordon Parks took the famous American Gothic photo.