Beauty By LeRenda

Macy’s has really done well with recognizing cultural events. This is second year in a row that I’ve attended their Black History Month event. Last year they focused on Romare Bearden. This year they focused on Gordon Parks.

This event was held at the Macy’s Galleria on Hidalgo.  There was a nice set up displaying Gordon Parks’s pictures as well as a live musician.

I missed the beginning of the event because I was booked to do makeup for an event at Qwashae Boutique. I got to Macy’s towards the end of the panel discussion.

Each member gave info about Gordon Parks and how he made an impact on their lives. In this picture Rebecca Briscoe is speaking on how inspirational he was to have been so successful despite the racial tension that existed during his era.

To the left of her is Ray Carrington, he spoke very highly of Gordon Parks and emphasized how his early mistakes led to him learning lessons that allowed him opportunities to leave a huge legacy. He discussed how important it was for Gordon Parks to get to know people before taking pictures.  Then there’s Joy Sewing. Unfortunately, I missed her speak, but I’m sure she gave a lot of good insight. She’s very intellectual and full of knowledge.  I look forward to seeing her at events. On the end is David Parks.

Here I am with Rebecca after the panel discussion.  I’m so proud of her success.  We both grew up in the same home town of Port Arthur, Texas. Nice to see her doing well.

This gentlemen in the above picture was the host for the Gordon Parks event.

Above is David Parks, Gordon’s son.  He shared a lot of great background information about his father, including how he and his brother approached their dad for assistance in producing the movie Superfly.  He also spoke about how diversity is still an issue in the film industry.  He urged film makers to work together and explained why family and the community and are keys to being successful.

There was a great turnout for this event.

I got a chance to sit down and talk with David Parks. He ‘s so personable and approachable. He was very patient and took time to talk with everyone and took pictures.  He appeared to be just as happy to meet us as we were to meet him.  I’m so honored to have had this opportunity.

There was a reception following the panel discussion in which Macy’s provided light refreshments and drinks. I’m so glad that I was able to attend this wonderful event. Kudos to Macy’s once again for putting on a fantastic showcase for Black History Month.