Fort Scott, Kan. May. 6, 2026 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography and Don Thompson Images. The theme of the contest is “Giving a Voice to the Voiceless”. This event is Inspired by Gordon Parks, who used his camera to speak for those who are unable to speak for themselves.
This is open to any amateur (non-professional) photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of the theme.
Note: We define a professional as someone who has been published in any national or international publication or has/had a career in photography. This includes magazines, journals, websites, social media outlets and receiving payment for any photographs.
Amateur (non-professional) photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos in JPEG format with less than 2MB. There will be a first place ($200), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. All accepted photos will be exhibited during the 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration at The Gordon Parks Museum in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, Oct. 1 – 3, 2026, and featured on the Gordon Parks Museum website and Facebook page. Judges for the photo contest are professional photographer, Veretta Cobler and established creative director designer, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.
Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be attached in JPEG format and limit file size to less than 2 MB. All entries will be confirmed to be accepted via email. Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, phone number and share a one or two sentence on what inspired the photo. If under 14 years old, please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at the latest.
For more information, email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.