Celebration of Black History Month “A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks”

SAN DIEGO (January 25, 2022) – Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA), in collaboration with the Oceanside Public Library and the North County African American Women’s Association (NCAAWA), will host a film screening of A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks on Sunday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m. Directed by John Maggio, the film explores the enduring legacy of photographer, writer, composer, activist and filmmaker, Gordon Parks, and spotlights his visionary work and its impact on the next generation of artists.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with the Oceanside Public Library and the North County African American Women’s Association to honor the life and legacy of such an influential man,” says Maria Mingalone, Executive Director of Oceanside Museum of Art. “This film pays homage to a true American legend whose work serves as a springboard for contemporary and future artists, and we are honored to be hosting a screening at OMA.”

A Choice of Weapons explores the power of images in storytelling and advancing racial, economic and social equality through the lens of three contemporary photographers who consider Parks’ vision in the context of their own work: Devin Allen, LaToya Ruby Frazier and Jamel Shabazz, along with additional interviews. The film also features a compelling overview of the Black American experience as told through Parks’s own work and traces America’s Civil Rights movement through his lens.

During the film screening at OMA, Oceanside Public Library will be giving away copies of Gordon Park’s autobiography, A Choice of Weapons while supplies last. Additionally, people can enjoy a special book club discussion of the book on Wednesday, February 23 at the Civic Center Library at 5:30 p.m. along with an “Art in Conversation” dialogue and performance at the Star Theater on Saturday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. hosted by Alyssa (Ajay) Junious and BJ Robinson who will highlight Black artists who’ve made an impact in their work and premiere a new work inspired by the writings and contributions of Gordon Parks. In this conversation, both artists will address how art has been and can be used as an act of resistance and collective healing. This engaging, interactive event will include a showing of previous works, a premiere of an original work inspired by their readings and/or viewing of the film ‘A Choice of Weapons’ and community discussion. To sign up for the book club or to reserve a seat for Art in Conversation, click here.

This film was made in co-production of Kunhardt Films and HBO. Film for this screening provided by Kunhardt Film Foundation. For more information on the film screening and to RSVP, please click here.

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