Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks was born on November 30, 1912 in Fort Scott, KS. He grew up in poverty, after dropping out of high school took odd jobs. In 1938 Parks bought his first camera and called himself a photographer. In 1948 Parks became a staff photographer for Life magazine, and was the first African American to hold that position. He remained with that magazine up until 1972. In 1963 Parks made a well known book called the Learning Tree which was later expanded into a movie. On March 7, 2016 Gordon Parks died of cancer and was buried in his home town. He was remembered for his work in photography and the inspiration he gave to many others

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gordon-Parks
https://www.biography.com/people/gordon-parks-37379