Gordon Parks was an influential American photographer, filmmaker, and writer, born on November 30, 1912, in Fort Scott, Kansas. He is best known for his work documenting the civil rights movement and the struggles of African Americans. Parks used his camera to tell powerful stories about poverty, racism, and social injustice, making significant contributions to the field of photojournalism. In addition to photography, Parks directed several films, including the iconic Shaft in 1971, which helped shape the genre of blaxploitation cinema. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and honors, including a National Medal of Arts, recognizing his impact on art and culture.