To put it simply, Wilma Moore-Black loves the art of storytelling.

Her career has included several jobs in various areas of journalism and education, such as the Wichita Eagle, KAKE-TV and Wichita Public Schools.

Earlier this month, Moore-Black was invited to speak at a Gordon Parks tribute luncheon during the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Minneapolis, Minn.

She is the associate director of Communication Upward Bound at Wichita State, a program that offers youth in Wichita an opportunity to work on their communication skills and learn how to work with and write for media outlets.

Parks was a Kansas native, who became known as a photographer, composer, poet and filmmaker.

Since the convention was held in Minneapolis — Parks’ home for many years — Moore-Black said Parks’ family wanted to hold a luncheon as a tribute.

It was on the recommendation of David Parks, Gordon’s son, that Moore-Black was able to speak at the luncheon.

“I was invited to share memories and things, how he affected my life,” Moore-Black said.

She highlighted Gordon’s career and the legacy he left for African Americans and all people worldwide.

“I was honored, really,” she said of getting to speak about Gordon.

Working in education

Educating young people is important to Moore-Black, she said. That is part of the reason she applied for a job with Communication Upward Bound seven years ago.

“They were looking for someone with experience, and that was my advantage,” she said. “I’d been in print, in radio, in TV, enough that truly, I could give back.”

She said she networked heavily in her professional groups such as Wichita Professional Communicators and the National Federation of Press Women. Those connections have served both her and her students well, she said.

CUB serves first-generation students whose parents have not received a bachelor’s degree, and students from low-income families. The services are free.

Moore-Black said the work done in CUB is extensive, as it is designed for teaching the students about communication. But, it’s not all hard work.

“You gotta have some fun,” she said. “It can’t be all business.”

Moore-Black’s work with CUB students impresses her colleagues. Rick Armstrong, associate professor of communication and CUB’s director, said Moore-Black is a reliable person.

“She has a very outgoing personality,” he said. “Nothing really throws her for a loop. She’s good with people.”

Since his work with CUB takes up just 25 percent of his time at WSU, Armstrong said he relies heavily on Moore-Black to run operations within CUB.

“I never have to worry about things getting done down there,” he said. “I depend on her and I trust her.”

Armstrong said he was impressed with Moore-Black getting to speak at the Gordon Parks luncheon.

“She’s accomplished,” he said. “That was great to have her get that honor.”

Ultimately, for Moore-Black, her first love, aside from educating young people, is getting to tell stories.

“I love journalism,” she said,” writing and the art of storytelling.”