By the 1950s, the Nation of Islam’s message of racial independence resonated with many African Americans, leading to the rapid growth of this radical civil rights movement. With the help of his friend Malcolm X, Parks was able to arrange a meeting with Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam’s leader, to obtain permission to proceed with the ...

As part of an extensive assignment on the Nation of Islam, Parks lived within the organization for months and had unprecedented access to its leaders, Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X. When the photo essay was published, Parks’s nuanced and personal text, “What Their Cry Means to Me,” was included.

Sep 21, 2020 · After hearing a fiery speech in Harlem, Parks introduced himself, only to find that the charismatic minister already knew who he was. He invited Parks to a special meeting with Elijah Muhammad, who had been the spiritual leader of the Nation of Islam for nearly 30 years, to discuss the possibility of a story in Life.

After hearing a fiery speech in Harlem, Parks introduced himself, only to find that the charismatic minister already knew who he was. He invited Parks to a special meeting with Elijah Muhammad, who had been the spiritual leader of the Nation of Islam for nearly 30 years, to discuss the possibility of a story in Life. The slight and gentle ...

Mar 19, 2024 · Proof of Parks’s remarkable ability to capture life around him, Born Black features fascinating images of Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad, the Black Panther Party and 1960s street...

His intimate portrayals of Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini; of the Muslim and African American icons Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad and Muhammad Ali; of the young militants of the civil rights and black power movements; and of the tragic experiences of the less famous, like the Brazilian youngster Flavio, combine to form an unforgettable story.

Jun 5, 2020 · Parks was asked to cover the Black Muslim movement, including leaders like Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad, after several white colleagues were turned away in their quest to gain access. One untitled 1963 image shows a Black man in Harlem holding a sign of protest, wearing a somber expression.

Gordon Parks owned this position for 20 years, capturing images related to fashion, sports and also issues like poverty and racial segregation, along with portraits of famous African Americans like Muhammad Ali.

Jul 3, 2020 · Parks befriended Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam, and was granted access to an otherwise close-knit community. Parks captured the peaceful protests and full-hearted idealism of the group instead of depicting members as combatants.

Gordon Parks, Elijah Muhammad, from Black Muslims, 1963. Gelatin silver print, 9 3/8 x 7 1/2 inches, 23.81 x 19.05 cm. Stamped and inscribed on verso. From a photographic essay for Life magazine on the Nation of Islam.