'Tis the Season Gala  is our annual educational fundraiser that welcomes in the holiday season by showcasing local , national, and international African-American music, dance and talent.

‘Tis the Season funds are used to reach our youth by working with school districts across  the Greater Kansas City area. The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum   enhances student and community knowledge and understanding as we foster educational  and cultural programs regarding the past, present and  contemporary contributions of    African-Americans who served to shape our city and state’s history and culture.

Support this educational fund raiser and experience a taste of African-American music and community!

Thank you,

Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage  Center & Museum Board of Directors

What:     Charlie Parker Dinner Reception in honor of Kansas City Music Genius, Charlie                      “Yardbird Parker.”

When:    August 18, 2018| 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Where:   The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center | 3700 Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, MO

RSVP/ Info:  Call 816-513-0700 or 815-513-0702

The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center will host a special dinner reception that will provide patrons an opportunity to view the Charlie Parker exhibit from the Sonny Gibson Collection, listen to a special live jazz performance, and hear from local leaders about the impact that Jazz Icon, Charlie Parker, left on the world.

The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP and to learn more about the event, please contact the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center at 816-513-0700 or visit www.charlieparkercelebration.com   

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Remembrance

50 years ago on April 4, 1968, Civil Rights leader and icon, Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. To mark this historic day and event, the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center will be giving away life size posters of Dr. King to guests and patrons that visit the Cultural Heritage Center during the week of April 4, 2018. In addition, the Center will be showing documentaries and videos of Dr. King’s iconic speeches on Wednesday April 4th between the hours of 10am – 6pm.

Furthermore, as part of the ongoing Sankofa film series, the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center will be showing the film “Beyond Vietnam” on Saturday, April 7th from noon – 2pm. This film examines the last year of Dr. King’s life and his legacy.

For more information about the exhibitions/events, please contact the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Museum at 816-513-0701.

Sankofa Film Series at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Musuem

Starting in January, 2018, the Friends of the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Museum will host a monthly film series that will feature guest speakers and community conversations about contemporary and historical subjects taking place in African-American culture and history.

The purpose of the film series is to spark conversations and ideas that can create social change at the local level.

The events are free and open to the public.  Concessions will be available for attendees.

Location

3700 Blue Parkway      Kansas City, MO  64130   

Movie Time 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Saturday Movie Dates              

Jan 13—Black America since MLK

Feb 17—Destination Planet Negro

Mar 24– Hidden Figures

April 7—Beyond Vietnam

May 19—A Tribute to Malcom X

'Tis the Season is our annual educational fundraiser that welcomes in the holiday season by showcasing local, national, and international African-American music, dance and talent.

'Tis the Season funds are used to reach our youth by working with school districts across the Greater Kansas City area.

The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum enhances student and community knowledge and understanding as we foster educational and cultural programs regarding the past, present and contemporary contributions of African-Americans who served to shape our city and state's history and culture.

Support this educational fund raiser and experience a taste of African-American music and community!

Thank you, from the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum                       Board of Directors.

Holidazzle is our annual Holiday Children's Festival. We will feature a Christmas movie, arts & crafts, gift giveaway, refreshments and a picture with Santa.

Santa arrives at 2:00 PM

For more information call (816) 513-0700

The SONGS FROM THE SOUL exhibit explores African-American ICONS in Jazz,           Rhythm & Blues, Gospel, Soul and Rock & Roll while examining the relationship between music, history, and culture.

The featured artists in this exhibit include Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin Diana Ross and Whitney Houston, to mention a few.

Enjoy entertainment from local artists Troy Lee Sanders, Lee Langston and Paula Saunders as they sing selections from the African-American Icons featured in the Songs from the Soul Exhibit,

Don't miss a special Meet and Greet with the Center Director, Chiluba Musonda from               6:00 - 6:30 p.m.

*Free Admission         * Beverages and Hors d'oeuvre       * Business Casual Attire

Please confirm you attendance by calling (816) 513-0700 no later than November 21, 2017.

‘Tis the Season Gala is our annual educational fund raiser that welcomes the holiday season by showcasing local national and international African-American music, dance and talent.

Music brings people together and encourages a sense of community. African-American music expresses times of exasperation to tribulation; from happiness to suffering; from slavery to freedom; from defeat to victory and from discouragement to hope.

Music and song is an essential part of African-American history and culture; ranging from Negro spirituals, blues, ragtime, jazz, boogie woogie, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, rock & roll, funk, disco and hip hop.

Support this educational fund raiser and experience a taste of African-American music and community!

'Tis the Season funding is used to reach our youth by working with school districts across the Greater Kansas City area.  The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum will enhance student and community knowledge and understanding as we foster educational and cultural programs regarding the past, present, and contemporary contributions of African-Americans who served to shape the city and state’s history and culture.

 Examples of programs include exhibits, classes, dramatic presentations, poetry readings and storytelling.  We also sponsor statewide youth projects and other cultural and educational activities.

Due to inclement weather our 6th Annual 'Tis the Season Gala is cancelled.

Holidazzle is a program designed to help our inner city youth and their families experience the joy and excitement of the Christmas Season.  The program includes ; Storytelling, Hands-on Creative Arts, Visit from Santa,  Holiday movie & refreshments, and more!

This event is free and open to the public.
 

• Are you a part of #GivingTuesdayKC? It’s a global day of giving, happening right here in Kansas City! Donate to the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Museum. The mission of Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center is to commemorate and interpret the African-American diaspora particularly in the State of Missouri, the City of Kansas City, MO, and its surrounding areas through fostering educational and cultural programs regarding the past, present and contemporary contributions of African Americans. Donate at http://www.brucewatkinscenter.com/ .

Meet Savannah Williams of Angel Hands Art at the unveiling of her art exhibit at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and State Museum.

In keeping with its mission, the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center recognizes African-American pioneers who made significant impact on the development of Kansas City, MO through their exceptional and courageous lives.

Nominations are solicited from the community. Nominees selected as pioneers are inducted into the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center's Hall of Fame during a special ceremony.  

Their personal histories are among the articles found in the Center's Gertrude H. Keith Resource Library.

This event is free and open to the public.

Angel Hands art Presents A Royal Night inspired by the Kansas City Royals

featuring original art by Savanna Williams, 8 year-old artist.

This year Savanna will donate all proceeds to pediatric cancer patients at St. Jude's.

‘Tis The Season Gala’ is our annual educational fund raiser that welcomes the holiday season by showcasing local national and international African-American music, dance and talent.

Featuring Darcus : Versatility coupled with a unique musical style and natural vocal talent reflects the heritage and experience of Darcus. The warm chemistry that flows between her and the audience is indescribable.  She has style, class, and grace!

Featuring The Kansas City Boys Choir : Choir participants come from diverse backgrounds from all regions of the Greater Kansas City area.  This organization was built on the inspiration and vision of Founder, CEO, and Artistic Director, Mr. Ah’Lee Robinson, Kansas City’s own national recording gospel artist.

Music brings people together and encourages a sense of community. African-American music expresses times of exasperation to tribulation; from happiness to suffering; from slavery to freedom; from defeat to victory and from discouragement to hope.

Music and song is an essential part of African-American history and culture; ranging from Negro spirituals, blues, ragtime, jazz, boogie woogie, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, rock & roll, funk, disco and hip hop.

Support this educational fund raiser and experience a taste of African-American music and community!

Order tickets today at   

This is your opportunity to be a part of a great historical event.

We invite you to join in the continuance of the dream by becoming a Friend of the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center.  Your contribution will enable the center to promote local artists, acquire great art and major exhibits, expand educational programs and involve our community in outreach programs. 

With your help, the center will achieve its mission in the Kansas City Metropolitan area.

You can put a leaf on our Donors Tree of Life.  Your inscribed leaf will shine brightly among others in this exceptional category of philanthropist.

Join us at our Membership Drive Kick-Off Reception and meet our 2015 Champions of Change.

Saturday October 17,  2015  4:00-6:00pm  at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, 3700 Blue Parkway, Kansas City, MO64130

Only $10.00 per person

Valentine's Day Eve Jazzy Cultural Affair - Friday, February 13, 2015   6-9 pm

Enjoy our Charlie "Bird" Parker: Jazz Saxophonist, The Man, the Legend & his Music Exhibition- in collaboration with Paul Mesner Puppets.

Dress to reflect the music.  Dress in 'retro' 1920's, 1930's, and 1940's!

Live music and refreshments

RSVP at (816) 513-0700

Saturday, December 6
Noon - 4 p.m., Free
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center
3700 Blue Parkway Kansas City, MO 64130
Holidazzle is a fun Holiday Children’s Festival featuring a Christmas movie,
arts & crafts, gift bag giveaway, refreshments and picture with Santa.
Santa arrives at 3 p.m. For more information call 816-513-0700.