'Temples of Hope, Rituals of Survival: Gordon Parks and Black Religious Life' now on view at Howard U.

A new exhibition on view at Howard University explores an underexamined chapter of famed photographer Gordon Parks' documentation of religion in Black communities during the 20th Century. Coinciding with this, a supplemental exhibition showcases Howard University students' response to Parks' legacy.

- By ROBERT GERHARDT Special to the AmNews

Photos from "Temples of Hope, Rituals of Survival: Gordon Parks and Black Religious Life" now on view at Howard University. (All Install photos ©Jada Simone, courtesy of Howard University)

(Jada Simone courtesy of Howard University)

Gordon Parks is one of those photographers who really does not need much of an introduction. His work documenting Black life throughout the United States is legendary, making him one of the most famous Black photographers in history, if not in photography in general. Combine that with the books he wrote, the movies he directed, and the music he composed, and he becomes a true Renaissance man.

I don't remember exactly when I was first introduced to Parks' work. His photographs have always just seemed to be in the back of my mind as I work on my own photo stories, and something I have always judged my own work against. His books and photographs are one of those touchstones that I return to again and again.

Even with Parks' work and life being so well documented, there are still aspects of it that have not yet been fully explored. A new exhibition at Howard University, Temples of Hope, Rituals of Survival: Gordon Parks and Black Religious Life, looks to expand our insights into Parks and his works, investigating the social structures and sites of religious practice in his work. The exhibition frames Parks' underexplored religious and spiritual examinations through his photographs that captured the prominent role of religion and spirituality in 20th-century modern life.