Kente-inspired decorative stripe in burgundy, gold, cream, and black — a tribute to African textile heritage

In the News

See how Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center is making headlines through exhibits, programs, and community impact.

Kente-inspired decorative stripe in burgundy, gold, cream, and black — a tribute to African textile heritage

“Hollywood Cowboy” Rex Purefoy and Board Member Gayle Hill-Suber joins Shane and Kerrigan to showcase his horse, Ringo, and what you can expect to see at his exhibit at the Bruce R. Watkins Culture Heritage Center.

KCTV5

Visit the “Hollywood Cowboy” Exhibit

THE VOICE

Beyoncé wasn’t the first to put Black folks back in cowboy boots. Rex Purefoy has been roping and riding while entertaining audiences for 50 years, reminding us that the fabled Wild West belonged to everyone.

Hollywood Cowboy’ Exhibit Brings Black Cowboy Legacy to Life

KMBC

Kansas City hosts Smithsonian's Black Wings exhibit

The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center in Kansas City is showcasing the Smithsonian's Black Wings exhibit, which highlights the history of Black aviation.

FOX4

BLACK HISTORY MONTH FEATURE: ‘Black Wings’ Exhibit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The “Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight” Exhibit examines the history of African Americans in flight through a stirring collection of historical and contemporary photographs, first-hand interviews and inspiring stories of triumph and tragedy.

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New exhibit highlights Black Americans who paved the way in flight, space exploration

Just in time for Black History Month, a new exhibit in Kansas City is highlighting Black Americans who paved the way in flight and space exploration.

THE VOICE

Smithsonian ‘Black Wings’ Aviation Exhibit Lands in KC Feb. 4

The traveling aviation history exhibit “Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight” – organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

KCTV5

‘Black Wings’ exhibit showcases history of African Americans in aviation

“Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight” features 6 sections highlighting Black Americans who paved the way in flight and space exploration. Organized by the Smithsonian Institution, the exhibition features photographs and first-hand interviews.

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Black Santa exhibit celebrates representation, holiday tradition

A Black Santa exhibit at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center in Kansas City, Missouri, is reimagining the holiday's favorite figure to better represent the community it serves.

KCTV5

Black Santa exhibit collection on display at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center

The importance of representation during the holiday season,

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Kansas City cultural center highlights history of Black Santa

If you celebrate Christmas, you’re probably celebrating with old St. Nick. But depending on your family traditions, his skin color may vary. The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, located at 3700 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., is celebrating the history of Black Santa with a holiday exhibit.

KCTV5

Black Santa Exhibit on display at Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) -- A treasured Black Santa exhibit is on display for all to see and spread Christmas joy at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum.

THE VOICE

Black Santa Exhibition Brings Holiday Joy to KC

For decades, Wilhelmina L. Stewart collected Black Santas that showed off her community’s strength, joy, and holiday spirit.

Kente-inspired decorative stripe in burgundy, gold, cream, and black — a tribute to African textile heritage