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Savanna Williams is a gifted child artist who has a desire to give back to the world. She creates various sized abstract artwork and uses her talents to share with others. Contributions from the purchase of her artwork will be given to West African school aged children in need.
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
Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with long-time community activists/advocates as they share their perspectives on life, living and “changing the game” so everyone can “play to win”.
On Saturday, November 18, 2023, Melba Curls, former State and City Elected Official and Community Advocate will be our guest.
1:30 pm- 3:30 pm
Kansas City Alexander/Madison Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th Calvary salutes the Buffalo Soldiers on Saturday, November 11, 2023. 4:00 p.m.
Free Admission
We welcome all branches of Service. We welcome all veterans and their families.
There will be a Buffalo Soldiers Exhibit, a Flag Ceremony and Taps.
Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with long-time community activists/advocates as they share their perspectives on life, living and “changing the game” so everyone can “play to win.”
Saturday, October 14, Archie Welch, Political Advisor, Community Organizer and Entrupreneur.
Celebrate with us at our fund-raising gala, "An Evening with Lonnie McFadden”. Lonnie McFadden is an award winning, world renown entertainer with an intricate style that is presented with joy, raw emotion, excitement, and an unmistakable, smooth voice.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 13, 2023, to be at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum, 6-9 PM.
On that day, the Spirit of Freedom Fountain will be 42 years old. In December, The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum will be 34 years old.
Our fundraiser will honor these two significant milestones. Join us for an evening to remember!
Your sponsorship will help us continue to serve our community with outstanding programs, activities, and exhibits, 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 programs regarding the past, present and contemporary contributions of African-Americans who served to shape the city and state’s history and culture
Contact Gayle Hill-Suber for sponsorship information at geehill2518@gmail.com
Reserve a seat on Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-lonnie-mcfadden-registration-686610098287?aff=oddtdtcreator
Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with long-time community activists/advocates as they share their perspectives on life, living, and “changing the game” so everyone can “play to win”.
Saturday, September 9, 2023 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Charlotte “Mama C” O’Neal Poet, Visual Artist, Musician, Peace Builder and Lifelong Teacher.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see and hear firsthand from a gifted artist and “true revolutionary” who fervently believes in the power of music and art to heal, bring joy, and elevate lives.
Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with long-time Kansas City community activists/advocates as they share their perspectives on life, living and “changing the game” so everyone can “play to win”.
Saturday, August 19, 2023 - Joanne Collins Political Adviser and Community Volunteer
Respected comminity leader, Joanne Collins, sits down with Executive Director, Emiel Cleaver, to talk about her years of service as the first African American woman elected to serve on the KCMO City Council- a position she held for 17 years until retiring in 1991. She will also speak candidly about her experiences in banking, insurance, finance, politics and beyond.
Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with long-time Kansas City community activists/advocates as they share their perspectives on life and “changing the game” so everyone can “play to win”.
Saturday, July 29, 2023 Jim “Grand-Dad” Nunnelly Mentor, Healthcare and Youth Advocate
Community advocate, Jim Nunnelly, sits down with Executive Director, Emiel Cleaver, to share why he is so passionate about healthcare advocacy and youth outreach and mentoring.
A documentary by noted film maker and photogrpher, Diallo J. French, celebrating Kansas City’s African American music culture and its importance to American music from jazz to hop hop, rock-n-roll and soul music genres. The film spotlights area artists such as Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Bobby Watson, Oleta Adams, Janelle Monae and Tech N9ne, who hav had global influence throughout music history.
Featured Artist
Xavier Gayden
Karen E. Griffin
Keyon Monte
Joseph Newton
Kwanza Humphrey
The documentary focuses on the Kansas City “ 2-Step”, a variation of the jitterbug ballroom dance of the 1940’s that is unique to Kansas City. The film chronicles the spirited quest of 25 couples to win the $10,000.00 BIG STEP-OFF dance contest.
Friday, Februay 14, 2023 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Free Admittance
Dress up and come out to our holiday fundraiser. We are raising money for educational programs and exhibits for teach our youth and our community.
Dress up for this fundraiser to enjoy…
* Live Entertainment
Black Santa Exhibit
Good Music
Good Food
Good Fun
Drinks & More
Get your tickets early on Eventbrite by November 30, 2022
Join Missouri State Parks, Kansas City Parks & Recreation and the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum for a FREE event to celebrate this historic ride.
Free bike helmets for kids
Kid’s activities
Music
Replica bicycle and Buffalo Soldier’s Uniform
Exhibits of the route and the riders
Programs and presenters
Food trucks
Please join us at our Closing Reception of our fundraiser, “Black Women Bring Good Things to Life” on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from noon to 6PM.
The artwork of George Mayfield is varied and amazing.
Entertainment will be from 2:00pm -4:00pm.
Mr. Mayfield donates 30% of his sales to support the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum as we continue to educate and inspire our community.
Fund Raiser for educational programs, exhibits, events and performances.
George Mayfield “Black Women Bring Good Things to Life”
Community Viewing- Wednesday July 13 - Thursday July 21, 2022 10:00 am- 6:00pm
Art Sale Weekend - Friday-Sunday, July 22-24, 2022 4:00-8:00 PM
Art Sale Weekend 4:00 pm-8:00pm The artist will be available
February 18, 2021 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for a free virtual event, Eight Days in April: Race, Rebellion, and Reconciliation on February 18 from 6:00-7:30pm featuring a panel discussion about the eight days surrounding the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968 and how the impact of those days continues to shape Kansas City today.
Please register in advance for this Zoom event at go.umkc.edu/eight-days. If you have any questions about registration, please contact Dr. Anthony LaBat at labata@umkc.edu or (816) 235-1532 between the hours of 9:00am - 4:30pm.
This event is held in conjunction with the exhibit, Eight Days in April: The Story of the 1968 Uprising in Kansas City which draws upon historical materials from UMKC's LaBudde Special Collections and Marr Sound Archives. The exhibit will be available to view at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Museum when it is safe to open to the public and is also available as a digital exhibit. The digital exhibit includes an opportunity for community members to participate in a survey about renaming the 1968 Riot Collection. Our esteemed panelists are as follows: Dia Wall (Moderator) Anchor / Reporter, KSHB; Jason Cooley, Community Initiative Officer for the Chief of Police, Kansas City, Police Department; Dr. Delia Gillis, Professor of History and Africana Studies Program Coordinator, University of Central Missouri; Don Maxwell, Revitalize Prospect; Glenn Rice, Journalist, Kansas City Star, Dr. Susan Wilson, Vice Chancellor for Diversity & Inclusion, UMKC.
Visit the Eight Days in April Virtual Exhibit:
https://library.umkc.edu/exhibits/uprising
Dear Friends and Patrons,
The health and wellness of our patrons, staff, and community is always a top priority at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum. To follow the recent CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines and in accordance with its recommendation that large events, mass gatherings and organizations (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 10 people or more throughout the United States for the next 8 weeks, we are implementing the following:
• Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum will be closed to the public through Saturday, April 4, 2020.
• Public programs, tours, events, and meetings will not be permitted until after May 15, 2020. We will work closely with our program partners to reschedule activities and we will post new dates on social media and on our website.
• We are proud of the preventative measures we are taking to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Please take care of yourself and one another.
Attention Patrons:
The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center will be closed from Thursday, December 26, 2019 thru Wednesday, January 1, 2020 in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays.
We will reopen at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
Thank you for your continued support and Happy Holidays.
Holidazzle is a Holiday Children’s Festival featuring a Christmas movie, arts & crafts, gift bad give away, refreshments and a picture with Santa. Santa arrives at 2 p.m.
Sponsored in partnership with the Friends of the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center.
Join us at Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center for a preview screening of EMANUEL
Thursday, May 30th, 2019
5:30pm Doors Open / Light Reception
6:00pm Screening / Special Guest Panel including Rose Simmons (daughter of Reverend Daniel L. Simmons Sr.)
This event is free and open to the public. For more info or to RSVP email glenn.north@kcmo.org
Made possible with additional funding from The Gown Gallery Kansas City and The Jane E. Webb office of State Farm Insurance
Join us for a celebration of Women’s History Month featuring a reading and book signing with Dr. DaMaris B. Hill on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 6:00 pm.
Admission of free. Refreshments will be provided.
Join Kansas City PBS, the Midwest Genealogy Center and the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Museum for a special screening and discussion of the ground-breaking series Finding Your Roots. Local experts will talk about resources, tips and tricks to help you on your genealogy journey.
Genealogists from the Midwest Genealogy Center will help "find the roots," of a local public figure. The program reception is at 5:30pm and the program will begin at 6pm.
“LOOKING OVER THE PRESIDENT’S SHOULDER” is a play that will take place at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center in collaboration the Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City, starting January 22 through. February 3, 2019. General admission tickets are $40.
ABOUT THE PLAY:
When Alonzo Fields accepted a job as a butler at the White House in 1931, his plan was to work there for the winter. That winter lasted 21 years. Based on the real-life story of the grandson of a freed slave, “Looking Over the President’s Shoulder” is told from the unique perspective of the Chief Butler who served four U.S. Presidents and their families: Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower.
For More Information Visit: https://www.brtkc.org/event/president-2019-01-31/
'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
Holidazzle is our annual Holiday Children's Festival. We will feature a Christmas movie, holiday music, arts & crafts, gift giveaway, refreshments and a picture with Santa.
Santa arrives at 2:00 PM
For more information call (816) 513-0700
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.
