With a special tribute to Richard Roundtree and the 1971 film Shaft, stunning performances, and a historic auction sale.
Hosted at Cipriani 42nd Street, from co-chairs to attendees, the night evoked one common interest: Social justice in the arts. “I always look forward to getting so many like-minded, creative, and smart people in one room together,” said Executive Director Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr. Annually, the foundation selects individuals they want to honor by recognizing their efforts in striving for social justice in their respective fields.
This year, the foundation chose Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz as Patron of the Arts, Colin Kaepernick (Honoree), Visual Artist Mickalene Thomas, and Civil Rights Activist Myrlie Evers-Williams. “Every [single] one of these individuals speaks to the legacy of Gordon Parks, and the work they are doing advances his mission: a common search for a better life and a better world,” said Kunhardt.
The night began with a powerful performance by Anthony Morgan’s Inspirational Choir of Harlem, followed by a stunning surprise performance of “Peaceable Kingdom” by Patti Smith, accompanied by her longtime bandmate Tony Shanahan. Actors Tim Reid and Sherry Bronfman paid a moving tribute to the late Richard Roundtree, who starred in the iconic 1971 film Shaft [directed by Parks].
During this poignant moment, Roundtree’s daughter, Kelli, accepted the award from Parks’ daughter, Leslie Parks Bailey. Other presenters of the evening included Gayle King, who honored her close friend Myrlie Evers-Williams, Artist Carrie Mae Weems, who honored Mickalene Thomas, Spike Lee [who] honored Colin Kaepernick, Amy Sherald, who honored both Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, and lastly, 2017 Gordon Parks Fellow Devin Allen who paid tribute to the 2024 art fellows.
In the end, the event raised over 2.3 million dollars for the foundation to continue its great work — including one of Gordon’s photos, which brought in a record-breaking, historic $200,000+ sale during the auction!
Be sure to check out our reel recap of our night at the gala below: