Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month and American Icon Gordon Parks

February 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

This past Saturday, I attended the Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month and American Icon Gordon Parks exhibit at Macy’s Lenox Square.

Photo courtesy of Toni Parks Parsons

Gordon Parks was a film director, photographer, musician and writer. He directed the first Shaft film and also published a series of famous photographs for Life Magazine. Including this image:

During the event, we listened to actor Eriq LaSalle (director, writer and actor from ER and Coming to America) and Arnika Dawson, owner of Arnika Dawson Gallery on Cascade Rd. in Atlanta. Both discussed the life and legacy of Gordon Parks and how technology has changed how we all create art. While technology makes it easier to create all kinds of art, we all must continue to be tenacious and push for our ideas to be heard. I enjoyed learning more about Gordon Parks and his legacy. The event was packed!

At Macy’s Lenox in the audience during the event taken by Everywhere

Krystal Grant and I with a photograph taken by Gordon Parks in the background

If you are in the Atlanta area and would like to learn more about Gordon Parks his exhibit titled, The Segregation Story is here at the Arnika Dawkins Gallery. On March 29th, the gallery will be screening Gordon Parks film The Learning Tree. The Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month and American Icon Gordon Parks exhibit could be headed to a city near you. Click here for additional details!

 

Disclosure: I am a part of the Everywhere Society and was compensated for taking part in this campaign. As always, my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

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Heart of Haiti

January 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I can’t believe that the devastating earthquakes happened in Haiti over 1 year ago today! The catastrophic earthquake killed more than 220,000 people and To this day, there are still millions left homeless. Last night, I learned more about the state of Haiti when I participated in a Twitter Party with #GNO and #HeartOfHaiti. Heart of Haiti was created by Macys in partnership with Fairwinds Trading and BrandAid Haiti. Proceeds from purchases of Heart of Haiti products provide a better life for Hatiaian artists and families.

Honestly, I am glad that I participated in the conversation last night! I learned much more about Haiti than I knew before. The question and answer session also introduced me to Haitian Artisans, some of the creators of the uniquely crafted items and we even got to see photos of the families. A few things I learned last night:

  • Over 400 artisans are actively producing items for Heart of Haiti
  • Children in Haiti are not offered public schooling
  • Artisans use the money made from the sale of Heart of Haiti products to pay for school for their children
  • If you can’t give through time or money: You can ALWAYS give just by spreading the word through blogs, tweets and word of mouth
  • When I have kids, I want to instill the spirit of service in them while they are young

I’ve checked out the beautifully crafted Heart of Haiti items time and time again but have yet to narrow down on which I want most! I finally made a decision today and purchased the Heart of Haiti Tree of Life Picture Frame and the Heart of Haiti Tray, Botanica.

If you have a moment today while thinking about Haiti, check out the Heart of Haiti items. If you order $50 worth of Heart of Haiti items not only does your money contribute to Haitian artists, but you will receive free shipping today with the code ONEHEART. With your purchase, you are creating jobs and opportunities to help Haiti continue to rebuild! All of the items are affordable and unique.

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