A large crowd was on hand at the Black Archives of Mid-America for the dedication ceremony for a piece of local Black history that has found a new home.
The event celebrated a mural painted by local artist Hank Smith depicting the founding and legacy of Henry Warren Sewing and the founding of Douglass State Bank, the first Black-owned bank west of the Mississippi River.
The mural remained at the bank’s 5th Street location in KCK, even when the bank was purchased by Liberty Bank & Trust, but when they moved locations, Liberty officials connected with Sewing’s family members who found a new home for the painting at the Black Archives.
The dedication ceremony, sponsored by members of the Sewing Family and Liberty Bank and Trust, was attended by individuals with a connection to the Sewing and Smith family, customers of Liberty and Douglas Banks and history lovers. The program was hosted by The Community Voice Editor-in-Chief Bonita Gooch, and presentations were made by members of the Sewing Family: his great niece Joy Sewing, great nephew Henry Warren Sewing II and his niece https://www.communityvoiceks.com/2020/01/14/sixty-plus-years-and-still-fighting-kansas-citys-civil-rights-activist-chester-owens/Virginia Sewing.
The sister of artist Hank Smith, Kathy Hunt-Smith, spoke about her brother’s work and legacy and introduced many members of her family, some of whom made the trip to Kansas City for the dedication. Wendy Ryce-Smith, vice-president and retail/commercial director of Liberty Bank and Trust made the trip from Chicago for the dedication.
Special recognition for the occasion came from the City of Kansas City, MO and the City of Kansas City, KS. KCK Mayor Tyrone Garner, a Sewing family friend, was in attendance. Special acknowledgement was given to Mr. Leon Lemons, a former vice president at Douglas State Bank and Chester Owens who worked for and purchased Sentinel Loan and Investment Company from its founder H.W. Sewing.
The H.W. Sewing Mural tells the story of Sewing’s early begins, through the founding of Douglass Bank and his engagement with the community and dignitaries. 
Leon Lemon, who served as a vice-president at Douglas Bank was interviewed by local television stations ahead of the dedication ceremony. 
A large crowd attended the dedication ceremony of the H.W. Sewing Mural 
Joy Sewing, great niece of H.W. Sewing and her children, pose for a photo with Wendy Ryce-Smith, vice president and retail/commercial director of Liberty Bank and Trust. 
KS Sentor David Haley shared his memories of being a child playing at Douglas Bank where his father had his legal office. 
Bonita Gooch, editor-in-chief of The Community Voice, served as mistress of ceremony for the dedication. 
Kathy Hunt-Smith, sister of the mural artist Hank Smith, shared memories of her brother. 
Kansas City, KS Mayor Tyrone Garner and his Economic Advisor LaVert Murray attended the dedication ceremony. 
Black Archives of Mid-America Board Member Leonard Graham and Executive Director Carmaletta Williams were in attendance. 
Chester Owen, who used to work for Sentinel Loan and Investment Company, founded by H.W. Sewing, shares his memories as (L-R) Virginia Sewing looks on and, Wyandotte Commissioner Gayle Townsend and Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree wait in cue.
