Reading Gordon Parks autobiography 'Voices in the Mirror' was one of the best experiences I had reading a book! It's an inspiring book. The troubles this man goes through and how people are used in his life to help him get ahead in life is remarkable.
I like it when he talks about learning from the situations and people in your life, not to judge, but be open to the opportunities that are presented to you. Gordon was intelligent, persistent but without being aggressive, he seemed calm and collected, respectful, and extremely talented.
He was a composer, film director, journalist, pianist, photographer, father, husband, son- he learned to use his skills (even when he didn't think he could do it). He became the first black male film director to work in the Hollywood system. He was the first black male journalist to work for Life magazine and Vogue. He was afraid of failure but he used that to compel him to do the best work he knew how. He worked with gangsters, movie stars, studio heads and musicians, etc.
I watched a documentary of Gordon Parks years ago but I never read his autobio; I'm so glad I did. He was born in Kansas, died in New York, with now his name on a museum, his own foundation and his works reserved in the Library of Congress.
Wonderful man!!
