Tamia Files
Gordon Parks, "Department Store"
1956
The photo I chose was shot by Gordon Parks who was a self-taught artist. Although Parks became the first African-American photographer for Life and Vogue magazines, he grew up in a segregated world and faced discrimination his whole life simply because of his race. This photo speaks to me because I am African-American myself and I am thankful that I did not have to grow up in the horrible environment my grandparents were raised in. Even though racism still exist today, the world has changed significantly despite what people may think. I can walk down the street without being scared that someone will try to hurt me because of the color of my skin. I can go to school and receive the same education as everyone else. I can become anything I want to be and it doesn't matter what shade I am.
