Nov. 26, 2024 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College will celebrate the anniversary of Gordon Parks’ birthday on Thursday, December 5th with the showing of films throughout the day and a speaking presentation and performance by Lem Sheppard, internationally known musician and historian titled “The Music Around Gordon Parks”. The events are free of charge and the public is invited to attend. Parks, born in Fort Scott on November 30, 1912, would have been 112 this year. He died in March 7, 2006 at the age of 93.
The schedule throughout the day will include:
9:25 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. — “Showing of the film Criterion Collection The Learning Tree” in FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center FREE.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. — (Lunch and Learn) “The Music Around Gordon Parks” Join us as Lem Sheppard, internationally known musician and historian will be presenting a program of Jazz, blues, and Spirituals. Gordon Parks was born and grew up during the period that was referred to as the Harlem Renaissance and he will perform music that Gordon would have experienced as a child in Fort Scott, as well as in; St. Paul, Chicago and New York City. Birthday cake and drinks will be provided in the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — “Showing of the film Solomon Northup’s Odyssey” in FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to receive a 25% birthday discount on all apparel items.
For more information contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620- 223-2700, ext. 5850 or by email at gordonparkscenter@fortscott.edu
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