Last month, the team behind the Gordon Parks Foundation announced the launch of its Legacy Initiative, which will acquire works by mid- and late-career artists connected to Parks’ life and legacy. It’s an innovative idea in philanthropy but one of many creative offerings from the foundation, which was established shortly after the legendary filmmaker and photographer’s death. We caught up with executive director Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr. to hear more about the foundation’s initiatives aimed at preserving the legacies of late-career artists.

For readers who may not be familiar, what made Gordon Parks’ work so vital?

Gordon Parks was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, the youngest of fifteen children. He worked tirelessly to make a name for himself. He became the first Black photographer on the staff of Life magazine in 1948—a groundbreaking achievement. He initially took on a project photographing a Harlem gang leader, and from there, he built a career that blended artistry with deep social commentary. His ability to capture the humanity of his subjects, his evolution into filmmaking, and even the photographs he chose not to publish all demonstrate his profound impact, showing how his work is intertwined with the importance of preserving the legacies of late-career artists.

How did you get involved with the Gordon Parks Foundation?

My grandfather was the managing editor at Life magazine and worked closely with Gordon Parks. They co-founded the Gordon Parks Foundation and passed away just two weeks apart in 2006. That’s when I became involved. I knew Gordon well as a child—he would visit our home and join us for Thanksgiving—so I’ve spent almost 20 years dedicated to preserving his legacy and supporting artists through the foundation.

Can you tell us about the Legacy Initiative? It strikes me as a unique philanthropic effort.

The Legacy Initiative, launched this year, supports late-career artists who may not have received the recognition they deserve. The foundation acquires their work, bringing them into the Gordon Parks Foundation family and ensuring their legacy lives on. Until now, our focus has primarily been on young artists through fellowships and scholarships, but this initiative bridges the gap—honoring those who paved the way. Our inaugural recipients, LeRoy Henderson and Mikki Ferrill, both had direct connections to Gordon Parks and embodied his values of storytelling, social justice and humanity.

Read the full article about preserving the legacies of late-career artists by Dan Duray at Observer.