ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Sunday, Nov. 30, Senator Foung Hawj (DFL-St. Paul) and Representative Samakab Hussein (DFL-St. Paul) celebrated the legacy of Gordon Parks alongside Robin Hickman, Executive Producer and CEO of SoulTouch Productions; Amy Mino, Executive Director of the Minnesota Landmark Center; and other community members and legislative leaders. The 2025 Legacy bill included funds to create a living memorial to Parks, a photographer, director, musician and author whose career began in St. Paul.
The St. Paul legislators release the following statement:
“I am proud to have taken part in creating this living memorial to Parks, whose artistic journey began here in St. Paul. While he traveled across the country in his lifetime, Minnesota is where he bought his first camera — his chosen ‘weapon’ against poverty and racism. Gordon Parks represents the best of Minnesota and the best of St. Paul. He made his dreams real and inspires people, young and old, to do the same today,” said Sen. Hawj, chair of the Senate Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee.
“By establishing this tribute, we are creating a place where young people can learn from his work, where artists can be inspired, and where our community can celebrate the power of one voice to change the world,” said Rep. Hussein, vice chair of the House Legacy Finance Committee.
“Legacy matters, especially for such a time as this. The Gordon Parks Living Memorial and Legacy Movement will ignite visions of possibilities and hope, illuminating Minnesota as a beacon of light for the nation,” said Dr. Robin Hickman-Winfield, Parks’ grandniece and executive producer of SoulTouch Productions.
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