Scope and Content Note
The papers of Gordon Parks (1912-2006) span the years 1946-1991, with the bulk of the material dating from 1960 to 1990. The papers are organized in the following series: Books ; Stage and Screen ; Other Writings ; Miscellany , consisting of works about Parks, general correspondence, project proposals, and printed matter; and an Addition .
The Books series documents Parks's writing career. Books such as Flavio are based on his experiences as a photojournalist for Life magazine. Other books such as Moments Without Proper Names and Whispers of Intimate Things combine his skills as a poet and photographer. He also produced fiction and autobiographical works. Types of production material include contracts, correspondence, drafts, financial records, mock-ups, notes, proofs, and research material.
The Stage and Screen series reflects Parks's accomplishments as a producer and director of films. The largest body of material pertains to his ballet, Martin, which was filmed for public television. In addition to contracts, correspondence, and scripts, production material includes set design and casting files, financial accounts, location arrangements, publicity, rehearsal and shooting schedules, and storyboards.
The Other Writings series primarily contains texts of speeches made by Parks along with related correspondence and printed matter. In addition, there are a few magazine articles written by Parks.
The Miscellany series includes biographical material, primarily magazine and newspaper articles about Parks. Correspondence from friends and colleagues includes requests and arrangements for Parks's many public appearances as a keynote speaker and television talk show guest. Printed matter consists of articles on topics of interest to Parks.
The Addition series contains material relating to Parks' books, films, and other writings, along with biographical material, general correspondence, and printed matter. The series is arranged to reflect the main body of the papers.