The Tamesis
During the dinner, all eyes were on center stage, where rose-tinted lights illuminated a large banner created by Parks in 1966, depicting a sweaty Ali. Chance the Rapper kicks off show with special tribute i am a stone With the Anthony Morgan Inspirational Chorus of Harlem.
Foundation Executive Director Peter W. Kunhardt Jr. (grandson of foundation co-founder Philip Kunhardt) also spoke and spoke about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the arts, before presenting original Parks portraits (designed by 2018 Parks Fellow Derrick Adams) to evening co-chairs Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz to commemorate their 15 years of dedication to the organization.
Pulitzer Prize winners Salamishah Tillet and Pharrell Williams introduced John Legend on stage, who reflected on the current situation in Selma, Alabama, and noted how his 2014 Oscar-winning song glory Still relevant today. “Tonight’s gala and these awards are our opportunity to get to work,” he said before singing a snippet of the soulful chorus.
Trumpet interludes from Darren Walker, Hank Willis Thomas, Deana Lawson, Jelani Cobb and The Roots bandmate Dave Guy continued on stage, while the Deux Chevaux and Pinot Grigio flowed. However, Parks’ daughter Leslie Parks Bailey and film composer Mario Sprouse led one of the night’s most exciting moments when they introduced the foundation’s first music fellow, Jason Moran, who performed a stirring piano piece called ” Rhythm of the Ring. Celebrity stylist Eric McNeal, who was moved by the performance and styled Moran, shared: “Jason is one of my biggest inspirations. It was a rewarding experience to be able to work with him on tonight’s gala.”
Gabriel Advisory Group founder Kimberly Pirtle added a touch of excitement to the podium, orchestrating the evening’s auction portion to raise a whopping $1.2 million. In this exciting auction, several of Parker’s works sold for up to $150,000 each. Includes his seminal 1956 photo At the segregated water fountain. Mobile, Alabama. Among them, Pirtle lamented: “Everyone likes surprises! I know the final surprise will bang the gavel.”
While the after-dinner coffee and dessert plates were filled with chunks of chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies, Colin Kaepernick ended the evening with a final adorable moment honoring Lonnie Ali and the Ali family.
Howard University Art Gallery Executive Director Kathryn Coney-Ali and Associate Professor Dr. Melanee C. Harvey, who currently oversees the largest collection of Gordon Parks photographs at an HBCU, were inspired by these impactful tributes. “Tonight’s gala gave me hope and additional strategies for overcoming oppression,” shared Harvey, a 2023 Parks Fellow. Cony-Ali’s Greed: “I think tonight is special. But hearing John Legend’s story about Selma, then and now, makes us realize how much work we still have to do.”
