Sarah Parks

is honored with a Large Paver from Marcia & Ted D. Ayres, Shirley & Don Beggs, Bobbi Baker Burrows & Russell Burrows, Sarah Burrows, Mary L. Herrin, Elizabeth & Don King, Pearl & Ronald Kopita, Barbara Mason & Ron Christ, Beverly & Jim Rhatigan, Martha & Kent Shawver

Sarah Ross Parks

1868-1928

Mother of Gordon Parks

In his groundbreaking book, The Learning Tree, Gordon Parks wrote: At fifty-two, Sarah was of unusual looks; smooth dark brown skin, with a sharp-boned face borrowing the high cheek and slanted eye of the Cherokee. A pinkish white scar the size of a quarter marked her left temple, resembling a flower in bloom. And this strange marking, inflicted by a thunderbolt during a long past storm, enriched the tone of her dark skin. A thin layer of curly black hair stretched to a ball at the nape of her longish neck, and her delicate ears, curving gently out from the back, seemed to be shaped of wax. She was short, wiry and quick moving; and when her long skirt whipped out behind her, she gave an impression of forceful, almost perpetual motion.

Of course, “Sarah” was Sarah Winger, the Mother of the young protagonist of Mr. Parks’ book, Newt. However, recognizing the autobiographical nature of The Learning Tree, this detailed description would certainly seem to provide us with the best reflection of Mr. Parks’ own recollection and memory of his Mother, Sarah Parks. The picture of Sarah Parks that is included in some of Mr. Parks’ other books (see attached) confirms that she was “short and wiry.” The picture also shows a woman who is beautiful and determined and a woman who could, indeed, be in “forceful, almost perpetual motion.”

Andrew Jackson Parks had five children with his first wife, Anna, when he married Sarah Ross Parks. Jackson and Sarah went on to have ten more children of their own, with Gordon being the youngest born on November 30, 1912.

Gordon Parks was fifteen when his Mother passed. Nevertheless, it is clear that in those fifteen years, she shaped and influenced her son with her kindness, wisdom, charity, determination, purity and most of all, her gently and unending love. As Mr. Parks writes in Voices in the Mirror: My mother spoke one language-love. In looking back, I can’t find one moment when I can honestly say she was wrong. Her last words to me were about love, and making something of myself. There’s no doubt that, in the fifteen years providence willed her to me, she wove the guidelines that she hoped I would follow.

It is because of that love and that influence that Sarah Ross Parks is so deserving of recognition in the Plaza of Heroines at Wichita State University: Sarah Ross Parks was truly a heroine.

Again from Voices in the Mirror, Mr. Parks wrote: Sarah Parks would have defied God Himself if what He willed her to do would harm another human being. She would have exonerated her disobedience by concluding that God had, for an instant, lost sight of His own teachings. Certainly, the devil found her a terrible enemy. Neither would she allow racism to drag her reasoning into the throes of its darkness.

Mr. Parks spoke often of his Mother’s determination and the continuing power of her words. He noted that her reassuring advice that “There’s hardly anything you can’t do if you’re willing to try hard enough” sustained him on multiple occasions and helped him “put optimism to work.”

Gordon Parks gave so much to his world and it should be clear that his Mother, Sarah Ross Parks, was responsible for the person Gordon Parks became. Gordon Parks has become a hero and role model for me; and Sarah Parks is a true heroine because, in fifteen short years, she shaped and molded the young boy that would become Gordon Parks.

I close this written tribute with a few words from Mr. Parks’ poem “Momma” which was included in his book, Eyes With Winged Thoughts: Her love filled the space between heaven and hell. She was a mother beyond all other mothers. I owe her everything- Yes, I owe her for these things- and many many more. So no good-byes, Momma. The love petals Falling like rain upon your grave are mine- all mine.

Written and submitted by,

Ted D. Ayres Vice President and General Counsel Wichita State University December 15, 2008