Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks, born in rural Kansas, was a visionary artist whose work spanned photography, film, writing, and music. He famously documented poverty and civil rights for Life magazine, giving a voice and a face to the struggles of Black Americans during a pivotal time. His unflinching lens not only observed but actively shaped the national conversation, earning him widespread acclaim and a permanent place in the pantheon of American creatives.

From fashion spreads to groundbreaking photo essays, Parks rarely missed a shot, both literally and figuratively. He later transitioned to film, directing "Shaft," which proved that a Black man could indeed be a box office draw, and then "The Learning Tree," a poignant, semi-autobiographical work that cemented his legacy as a director. Not to mention the symphonies and ballets he composed on the side.

As far as his Jewish bona fides go, they are, shall we say, utterly non-existent. Parks was an African American man from a deeply religious (Christian) background, which is about as far from gefilte fish as one can get without actively trying. He never converted, never claimed an ounce of Semitic heritage, and frankly, had more pressing social injustices to document than contemplating a bar mitzvah.

So, while Gordon Parks is unquestionably a giant in American culture, deserving of all the nachas for his incredible achievements, his "Jew" status hovers resolutely at zero. We give him a K of 4 simply because anyone who can make "Shaft" and still compose a ballet deserves a medal, if not a menorah.