Patricia Scott
Gordon Parks Foundation Annual Awards Dinner & Auction
Tuesday, May 20, 2025Where: Cipriani 42nd Street, New York, NY
The Gordon Parks Foundation is thrilled to announce its Annual Awards Dinner & Auction, a prestigious event dedicated to honoring the legacy of the visionary photographer and multidisciplinary artist, Gordon Parks. This year’s gala will take place on May 20, 2025, at the elegant Cipriani 42nd Street, bringing together influential figures from various fields including film, music, fashion, art, and philanthropy.
Honorees
This year's awards will recognize the remarkable contributions of four distinguished individuals:
Bethann Hardison: Legendary model and activist known for her advocacy for diversity in fashion.
Rashid Johnson: Acclaimed contemporary artist whose work challenges cultural narratives.
Anna Wintour: Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of Vogue, influential in shaping the fashion industry.
Ambassador Andrew Young: A pivotal civil rights leader, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and Mayor of Atlanta.
The evening will also feature special guests, including Rev. Ernest F. Ledbetter, Jr. and Rev. Ernest F. Ledbetter III, whose family has historical ties to Parks’ work. Gordon Parks famously captured images of the Ledbetter family during a 1953 feature on the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, which will be highlighted in an upcoming exhibition at Howard University.
Co-Chairs
The gala's co-chairs represent a diverse group of prominent figures, including:
Alicia Keys & Kasseem Dean
Tonya & Spike Lee
Ben Stiller & Christine Taylor
Sarah Arison
Kathryn & Ken Chenault
Michi Jigarjian
Judy & Leonard Lauder
Carol Sutton Lewis & William M. Lewis, Jr.
Crystal McCrary & Raymond McGuire
Clara Wu Tsai
Gail & Jeff Yabuki
Purpose of the Event
The Annual Awards Dinner & Auction is not just a celebration; it is a vital fundraising effort that supports the Gordon Parks Foundation's year-round educational programming. Proceeds will directly benefit fellowships, prizes, and scholarships aimed at nurturing the next generation of artists, writers, and students who embody Parks’ vision of social justice and creativity.
Tickets are available starting at $2,000 and can be purchased through the Gordon Parks Foundation website or by contacting Buckley Hall Events at gpfgala@buckleyhallevents.com or 914-579-1000.
About the Gordon Parks Foundation
Founded to honor Gordon Parks, the Foundation supports artistic and educational initiatives that highlight his contributions to American culture and social justice. Parks, celebrated as one of the most significant American photographers of the 20th century, used his art to advocate for a better world. Through exhibitions, publications, and public programs, the Foundation continues to inspire artists and humanitarians today.
For more information about the gala and the Foundation’s initiatives, please visit Gordon Parks Foundation.
Praise for Previous Events
The Gordon Parks Foundation Annual Awards Dinner & Galas have garnered acclaim for their inspirational atmosphere and star-studded guest lists, showcasing the ongoing impact of Parks’ legacy on contemporary culture. Previous attendees have described the event as a blend of celebration and reflection, highlighting the importance of community in advancing social change.
Mark your calendars for this extraordinary evening of art, activism, and celebration on May 20, 2025. Join us in honoring those who continue to push the boundaries of creativity and social justice in the spirit of Gordon Parks.
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