Honoring Black History in Kansas City
February is Black History Month, and Kansas City's local museums and attractions are honoring the legacy of African Americans with special events all month long.
Black History Month Events in KC:
Through the Lens: Visions of African American Experience, 1950–1970
Thru April 3, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Nelson-Atkins.org.
More than 60 photographs made during the civil rights era will be on display. Featured are works by seven photographers: Danny Lyon, Bruce Davidson, Charles Moore, James Karales, W. Eugene Smith, Gordon Parks and Roy DeCarava.
And Justice for Some
Thru Feb. 21, the Coterie, TheCoterie.org
Anthony Burns escaped slavery. Despite a fierce defense at trial, he was returned to his Southern master. This powerful case helped create the party that propelled Lincoln to the White House. In a unique twist at the end of the play, theater-goers participate as 1858 Massachusetts state Senators to discuss themes brought up by the play.
Störling Dance Theater’s UNDERGROUND
Feb. 12 & 13, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, StorlingDance.CreateFervor.com/underground.
This performance is a storytelling dance theater production that has created a new tradition in Kansas City. The vision for Storling Dance Theater’s UNDERGROUND began in the year 2000 as a positive approach to addressing growing divisiveness in our culture over race. The cast included 60 professional and amateur artists from an extremely diverse group of backgrounds, neighborhoods and perspectives. Storling wants to bring this experience to everyone in America that is looking for solutions, unity and opportunity for all our citizens.
Stereotypes to Civil Rights: Black Paper Dolls in America
Feb. 28-Aug. 22, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org.
Explore how stereotypes of people of African descent were created and institutionalized through paper dolls from the mid-1800s to the present day with the encyclopedic collection of Arabella Grayson.
African Culture Connection
Feb. 25, Yardley Hall at the Johnson County Community College, JCCC.edu/TheSeries
West Africa native Charles Ahovissi presents the vibrant rhythms, movements, colors and costumes of African tribal traditions. The production offers lively interpretations of African proverbs through song, music and dance by creating an authentic African village ambiance.
KC Museums Celebrating Black History:
American Jazz Museum
Charlie Parker Memorial, AmericanJazzMuseum.com.
Exhibits include the history of the African-American experience on 18th & Vine and its contributions to the cultural, social and economic development of Kansas City.
Black Archives of Mid-America
Collections featuring paintings, sculptures and writings by black artists. Archive of information on local writers, musicians and leaders in Kansas City.
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center
KCMO.org/parks.nsf/web/Watkins
This museum is a tribute to the legacy of Kansas City’s early African-American pioneers, portraying the artistic, cultural and social history of the African-American experience.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Museum dedicated to the history of Negro Leagues Baseball, with interactive exhibits for all ages.