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Black History Captured on Film: Gordon Parks An Undeniable Force in the Arts
written by Betti Halsell
Gordon Parks was the first Black director to produce a major film under a mainstream studio label, he’s also highlighted for composing music, writing poetry, and mastering different genres of photography.
“There’s nothing, to tell you the truth, that I haven’t done. I wish that I can do everything I’ve done better. I wish I can compose better music, I wish I can take better photographs, I wish I can write better poetry, and write better novels. That’s all I wish for.” – Gordon Parks (Gordon Parks interview, 2000)
A multifaceted man, critically acclaimed for composing and writing music, directing and producing films, and taking photos in multiple different genres– wished that he could do everything better. Parks became the first Black director to produce a film under a mainstream studio company, but that was only a nod to the countless works he created. Through his lens, he battled racism and laid the groundwork for many Black artists, who followed his vision of equality of talent and to be an undeniable force.
Parks was born November 30, 1912 in Fort Scott, Kansas, in a family of 15 siblings. Many different energies and interests lived within his household, which may have contributed to his number of fascinations to various mediums of self-expression. Among his arsenal of artistry, Parks is considered a master in photography, however, he didn’t pick up his first camera until he was 25. During an interview, the visionary credits his work ethic to the motivation of knowing he would have a meal the next day.
Before his eagle-eye view of the world that he captured on camera, one would find Parks cruising in the music scene. He started off as a jazz pianist in a brothel, traveling with a band. Parks had been playing piano by ear since he was young and with his type focus, he was able to compose and write his own music before he learned the standardized style. This seed of talent would eventually blossom in other mediums of his work.
Parks used his channels of art as “choice weapons,” through his range of creativity, Parks was able to capture the spirit of his subject. Some of his ingenious visual artwork include: American Gothic (1942), Grease Plant Workers (1944), and Harlem Gang Leader (1948), Parks did a deep dive in each of these works as an artist; providing more than 1,000 words in each picture.
The Renaissance man became the first Black photographer at Life Magazine, he would then move on to contribute to Glamour, Vogue, and help build a positive narration around Black Beauty within Essence Magazine. In 1969, Parks had already published a book, “The Learning Tree,” that later Warner Bros. Studio would green light into production. He scored, directed, wrote the screenplay, and produced the film under Warner Bros. As a director he produced other iconic movies, such as “Shaft ,”(1971).
Researching Parks has proven to be its own rabbit hole of information, the list of what he did is as eternal as his energy he had for work. Parks brought new awareness around Black talent and to the perspective in which an underrepresented community sees the world. There is so much richness and a velvet flow of Parks career, he is encapsulated skills that would take multiple lifetimes to master, and used them as his weapon of choice to fight for a saturation in diversity, in a time of prevalent limits stacked on top a particular race, seen only through a lens of black and white.
Aaron Pierre has been officially cast as John Stewart in HBO’s upcoming “Lanterns.” This casting marks a significant moment for DC’s live-action universe and Pierre, whose trajectory in Hollywood has been nothing short of meteoric.
John Stewart, a character with deep roots in DC lore, first appeared in “Green Lantern” #87 in 1972, created by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams. Known for his military background and no-nonsense attitude, Stewart was the first African American Green Lantern, bringing diversity to a genre predominantly featuring white heroes. His portrayal has varied over the years, from animated series to video games, but HBO’s “Lanterns” introduces him to live-action in a way that could redefine the character for a new generation.
Aaron Pierre, born in Brixton, London, has quickly become one of the most talked-about actors in Hollywood. His journey to John Stewart began with more minor roles but gained momentum with his portrayal of Dev-Em in the Syfy series “Krypton.” However, his role in “Rebel Ridge,” a Netflix action film that captured widespread attention, solidified his status as a rising star. Pierre’s performance as an ex-Marine showcased his ability to embody complex, action-oriented characters, a skillset that no doubt played into his casting as Stewart.
“Lanterns” promises to delve into the darker, more mysterious aspects of the Green Lantern mythos. Set against the backdrop of the American heartland, the series will explore a murder mystery that draws in both John Stewart, the new recruit, and Hal Jordan, a veteran Lantern, into an earth-based intrigue. This narrative choice not only grounds the cosmic elements of the Green Lantern lore in a familiar setting but also allows for a deep exploration of John Stewart’s character, his military background, and his transition into a cosmic peacekeeper.
The casting of Pierre as John Stewart has been met with widespread excitement online, especially given his physicality and the depth he brings to his roles. Often depicted as stoic but deeply principled, Stewart requires an actor who can convey strength and vulnerability. Pierre’s previous roles, especially his recent ventures like playing Malcolm X in “Genius: MLK/X,” have shown his capacity for portraying characters with historical weight, making him an apt choice for a superhero who carries the legacy of representation in superhero narratives.
‘Genius: MLK/X’
Moreover, “Lanterns” isn’t just about superhero action; it’s a character study wrapped in a cape. The series, spearheaded by HBO in association with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, aims to weave complex narratives around its characters. John Stewart’s inclusion in this narrative isn’t just about diversity in casting but about exploring themes of duty, justice, and identity through his eyes. Pierre’s casting adds a layer of authenticity to this exploration, given his background and the gravitas he brings to his performances.
The collaboration between Pierre and Kyle Chandler, who plays Hal Jordan, sets the stage for a dynamic duo that could redefine buddy cop dynamics within the superhero genre. Their chemistry, combined with the series’ premise, hints at a narrative where action meets introspection, where the battles fought are as much internal as they are cosmic.
As “Lanterns” prepares to launch, the spotlight on Pierre only intensifies. His role as John Stewart isn’t just a career highlight but a testament to his rising star status in Hollywood. For fans of DC and newcomers alike, Pierre’s portrayal promises to bring a fresh perspective to a beloved character, potentially making John Stewart as iconic in live-action as he has been in comics and animation.
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