Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with the noted Kansas City community leaders, role models and “change agents”, as they share their perspectives on life, living, and “changing the game” so, everyone can “play to win”.

Known widely in the community as “Dr. Marj”, Marjorie Williams served for 12 years (2000-2012) as the first African American superintendent of the Hickman Mills School District. She founded the Marste Group which serves schools, districts and businesses throughout the country. She continues to contribute to the education and literacy of students and adults through multiple professional and charitable organizations such as the Derrick Thomas/Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation, the Black Archives of Mid-America, the Calvin C. Wainwright Memorial foundation and the Sister Circle of Greater Kansas City, just to name a few.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see and hear firsthand from this dedicated community advocate, family and youth mentor, and servant leader as she shares her thoughts and insights on the change that is needed for future community growth and prosperity.

The Delynia Jannell Ensemble has performed at noted Kansas City music venues such as the American Jazz Museum’s Blue Room Club, Johnnie’s Jazz Bar in the Power and Light District, Lonnie’s Reno Club and on stage at the Kansas City Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Known for her soulful singing style, Delynia Jannell’s musical inspirations include Yolanda Adams, Whitney Houston, Kim Burrell and Jill Scott, just to name a few.

A gifted song stylist with a truly unforgettable voice, Delynia Jannell and her band perform a dynamic mix of rhythmic and soulful R&B, Jazz, Blues, and Neo Soul songs to create an unforgettable music experience.

A published author, Victoria is a full-time student and lover of literary activism. She strives to make her poetry a space for Black and Brown children to see themselves. Her work focuses largely on the idea of becoming - as a young Black woman, the are of healing, and the often-strange act of coming into oneself. She will one day open a publishing company focusing on Black literature, media production and archiving.

Rex Purefoy, “Hollywood Cowboy”, Collection & History of Cowboys

Noon - We start inside of the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & State Museum, 3700 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64130

1:00-3:00 Outside Activities Horseback Riding at the Spirit of Freedom Fountain sponsored by The Giddy-Up Riders of Kansas City

1:00-3:00 Inside Activities * Western Face Painting * Western Caricature Drawings * Fancy Rope Tricks * Rope Twirling Contest * Information Booth & Western Children’s Books sales by the author, Trae Venerable * Free Photo Booth * Refreshments

For more information call, (816) 513-0700

As President and General Manager of Carter Media (KPRS 103 FM, KPRT 1590 AM and RNB 106.9FM) in Kansas City, Michael Carter leads the oldest existing African American family-owned radio station in the United States that was founded by his grandfather, Andrew “Skip” Carter in 1950.

Growing up in the family radio business, Michael made his DJ debut at the age of eight! As an adult, he worked for several years as the vice president and was named president in 1987 by his grandfather. Since 1995, KPRS-FM has been a top-rated Kansas City radio station

Don’t miss the opportunity to see and hear firsthand from this dedicated, civic-minded, radio industry professional and successful businessman as he shares his thoughts on creating legacy and continuing the journey started 75 years ago by his grandparents, Andrew and Mildred Carter.

1:30-3:30 Saturday, June 14, 2025

One of the most sought-after singer/musicians in the Kansas City area, Kevin “Church” Johnson is described as a “mixed plate of old school soul music combined with a millennial twist of spicy and sweet barbeque”.

Johnson and Trio masterfully blend his soulful style of singing with incredibly versatile drum work, bass lines and keys. Don’t miss what is sure to be a truly memorable evening of classic Soul, R&B, Hip Hop and Jazz music.

Call (816) 513-0700 to RSVP

Melissa Ferrer Civil (&), (she/they) is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Kansas City, Missouri. Rooted in the practical and the possible, their spoken word poems and songs are mostly responses to the world around them and their own internal journey

Melissa is the founder of the arts and organizing event series “A Nation in Exile” and is a Charlotte Street Studio Resident and a Heartland Arts KC Fellow.

Listen, Join-in, Enjoy Libations, Art and More !

Embrace African Musical & Textile Tradition

Join us for a hands-on textile class and drumming experience.

Free, open to the public. All ages are welcome.

Sign up for the textile class (816) 764-8678 or cecelia.brueggemann@dnr.mo.gov

Spaces are limited.

2-2:45 Hands-on textile class with Ashlynn Bonds

2:45-3:15 Refreshments

3:15-4: West-African drumming with the Traditional Music Society

Will Matthews & “Thrill”

Kansas City native and Grammy Award winning guitarist, Will Matthews, is featured with his band “Thrill” showcasing their unique style of rhythm and blues music.

Cherayla is an entertainer who has been performing since elementary school. She is Midwest born, but greatly influenced by the East Coast as she called Harlem home for seven years. She has been singing professionally for over fifteen years and has been a featured vocalist in an off-Broadway play and won Amateur Night at the Apollo a few times

Listen, Join-In, and Enjoy Libations, Art, and More!

Bring family and friends to view the Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight Exhibit (organized by the Smithsonian Institution)

Learn about the history of the African Americans in flight, such as, the heroic Tuskegee Airmen, aviators Bessie Coleman and Willa Brown, fighter pilot Chappie James, astronauts Mae Jemison and Guion Bluford, just to name a few!

Meet Hot 103 JAMZ! Radio Hosts (On-Site 1-3 pm)

Prizes, Refreshments and More!

Noted Kansas City singer/songwriter, T.J. Hooker-Taylor, son of blues legend Johnnie Taylor, upholds his musical legacy performing soul-stirring, crowd-pleasing renditions of his father’s songs, “Who’s Making Love”, “Cheaper to Keep Her”, and “Disco Lady”, as well as new, original songs.

Call (816) 513-0700 to RSVP

Mark your calendar to enjoy the music, art, libations and more !

Darcus Gates is an award-winning vocalist and recording artist. She is an accomplished entertainer and dynamic performer. For over 30 years, she has called states of Las Vegas “home” before returning to Kansas City, her “true home” . She opened her signature nail salon and day spa, as well as hosting her “Darcas After Dark” music series highlighting Kansas City R&B and jazz artists.

Special Guest, Brandon “Amayzn” Nelson is a spoken word artist known for his impactful down to earth, high-energy delivery.

He is also a vocalist, radio personality, mentor, host and competitive poet , winning many competitions.

Listen, join-in, enjoy libations, art and more at this free event.

Enjoy Music, Art, Libations and More!

The James Ward Band is a contemporary smooth jazz band, whose show consists of a combination of Latin, R&B, Fusion, Funk, Jazz and Gospel music styles.

The JWB ahs a world class sound of it own and is recognized as one of the most sought-after bands in he Kansas City area.

Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with long-time community leaders, role models and “change agents”, as they share their thoughts on life, living and “changing the game” so everyone can “play to win”.

On Saturday, February 22, 2025 1:30-3:30 our conversation will be with       Colonel Reginald Bassa, Sr. (Retired, US Air Force) Tuskegee Airman Pilot and Former Air Force Base Deputy Wing Commander.

Sorry, this event is CANCELLED

Sorry, this event is CANCELLED.

People, Places and Things to Explore Your History

BRW Live Music Fridays

November 1, 2024

December 13, 2024

Enjoy live music, art, libations and more!

JOE MACKLIN & FRIENDS

An award-winning songwriter, vocalist, instrumentalist, and producer,

Joe Macklin has worked with many of the mainstream artists of our time.

He will bring his unique brand of music, and a few of his musical friends

to the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center for a memorable and

fun-filled evening of rhythm and song.

100th Anniversary of the Center/Museum’s namesake, Bruce R. Watkins.

Featuring nationally acclaimed artist.

At the Historic GEM Theater - 18th & Vine District

Purchase tickets at Eventbrite.com

Reserved Seating

Listen

Join-In

Enjoy Libations, Art and More!

James D. Tindall Sr. is Pastor Emeritus of the Metropolitan Spiritual Church of Christ in Midtown, Kansas City, Missouri. He is the founder and convener of the Urban Summit, an organization that brings together elected officials, community residents and others interested in advocacy to address issues of Jackson County Legislator (re-elected to two terms). Rev. Tindall is a longtime member of Freedom, Inc. He serves as a Trustee with the St. Paul School of Theology.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see and hear , firsthand, from this dedicated community and political activist, who has been a respected spiritual leader, mentor, and grassroots advocate for the Kansas City community for more than 50 years.

Meet & Greet reception following the program.

Free to the public.

Please RSVP - call (816) 513-0700

Join us to pay tribute to an outstanding leader and visionary for the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & State Museum.

The Tribute to Wilhelmina L. Stewart will be on Saturday, April 27, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm.

No costs to attend.

Join us for “A Conversation with the Elders”. Calvin Neal has been involved with Kansas City’s Ad-Hoc Group Against Crime since 1984. Over the years, he has marched with group member to bring healing and justice to the Kansas City Metropolitan communities. He is known for his generosity and willingness to counsel and help those impacted by violence and/or homicide.

Based on the part of the title of the play “Four Women” a song written by Nina Simone about four different African American women with varying tones of skin ranging from light to dark and how each one represents an African American stereotype in society is the framework for the play.

Limited Seating - make your reservation

RSVP at (816) 513-0700 or BruceRWatkinsCHC@kcmo.org

The 11th Annual Buy Black Saturday supports Black owned businesses.

10:00 am - 3:00 pm Free to the public

• Local Vendors * Live Entertainment

• * Give Aways * Family Friendly Event