Wednesday, Dec. 23rd will be the last opportunity to see Defining Black Wichita: Part 2: 1930s-1970s: Heart of the Community in its full glory at The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM). The exhibition closes out The Museum’s 2020 Sesquicentennial Anniversary Celebration of 150 years of African American history in Wichita and Sedgwick Co. TKAAM’s latest Main Gallery exposition—Defining Black Wichita, a three-part exhibition series by TKAAM curator, Paris J. N. Cunningham, chronicles the evolution and progression of the African American community in Wichita, KS.
“These are the last days to see Part 2: 1930s-1970s: Heart of the Community as it showcases Wichita’s Dunbar/McAdams District as African Americans migrated from the Downtown West End of the first 60 years,” explained TKAAM Executive Director, Denise Sherman.
The Museum started its celebration of local African American history last year with the inaugural showing of Defining Black Wichita: 1870s-1930s. The initial display showcased Wichita from day one when Richard Robinson, an African American, newly arrived from Harrisburg, PA. signed the city’s Articles of Incorporation. TKAAM visitors can also study Part One: Black Belt Beginnings in TKAAM’s Core Collection, Journey Through Kansas. Part 3 of Defining Black Wichita: Expanding Horizons: The Fairmount /WSU District opens in TKAAM’s Main Gallery Exhibition next fall.
In the meantime, Through Our Eyes: Perspectives of African American Life in the 20th Century will fill the Main Gallery with art in the new year. “This new showcase uses art to study history,” explains Cunningham. “We’re presenting Through Our Eyes in collaboration with The Wichita Art Museum and The Ulrich Museum at WSU,” said the TKAAM curator.
The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) endeavors to make the Kansas African American experience resonate with every Kansan. TKAAM’s vision is to be the premier place where communities come to learn or hear about the Kansas African American story presented through relevant cultural exhibitions and events to educate local, state and other visiting communities.
TKAAM’s Online Engagement Center offers learning opportunities designed to expand cultural awareness via three distinct learning channels…Our Heritage, Our Hope, #We Are Culture and the Sankofa Series. Find access to The Online Engagement Center, as well as more TKAAM information and news at the newly redesigned TKAAMuseum.org.
The Kansas African American Museum, 601 N. Water is open Tuesday – Friday, 10 AM-5 PM & Saturdays 12-4 PM validated parking in garage across the street with paid admission. The Museum practices Sedgwick County Covid-19 safety guidelines (face masks required, sanitizing stations and social distancing). Admission: Adults $6; Seniors (55+) $5; Youth (Grades 6-12) $4; Children (Grades K-5) $3; Children under 5 FREE. The Kansas African American Museum is funded in part by Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita.