WICHITA– In 2020, The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) doubles the opportunities for the community to commemorate and celebrate the 91st birthday of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
First, The Museum hosts a birthday party for Dr. King’s with its Senior Wednesday speaker, Dawn Pleas, Ed.D., Southwestern College Vice President for Retention and Student Success Special Assistant to the President for Community Engagement. She will address the topic, “Born of MLK and Nina Simone,” at 1:30 p.m. at the museum Jan. 15.
Then Saturday, “Our Heritage, Our Hope” features Wichita Mayor-elect, Brandon Whipple and Disciple Ministries Gen. Secretary and CEO, Rev. Junius B. Dotson, Nashville, Tenn. Featured local musical guests include The Collective, Christian Music Ministry and The Heart of Christ Praise Team, from Heart of Christ United Methodist Church. TKAAM invites the community to come celebrate the legacy of The Rev. Dr. King Saturday, from 6-8 p.m. at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church located at 1550 N. Chapel Hill St., Wichita.
Admission is the purchase of TKAAM’s 2020 Commemorative MLK, Jr. Buttons. They are available for $5.00 each at the museum, at P&P Seed and Bait Co., 1901 E 21st St N, Wichita, and at Wichita Quik Trips located at Hillside and Kellogg, Broadway and Murdock, as well as at Broadway and Kellogg. TKAAM requests the community support the museum by purchasing a button and wearing it throughout the MLK, Jr. season.
Now showing in TKAAM’s Main Gallery, “My Love, My Dream, My 40-Year Journey,” featuring the art of Charles Davis. The colorful, culturally rich works of the contemporary Norman Rockwell artist, Wichita State University alumnus and retired Wichita Public Schools art teacher will be displayed in the museum until Feb. 29.
The Kansas African American Museum endeavors to make the Kansas African American experience resonate with every Kansan. TKAAM’s vision is to be the premier place where communities come to learn or hear about the Kansas African American story presented through relevant cultural exhibitions and events. Located at 601 N. Water (TKAAMuseum.org), the museum is open Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 12-4 p.m. Validated parking in garage across the street is available with paid admission.
Admission: Adults $6; Seniors (55+) $5; Youth (Grades 6-12) $4; Children (Grades K-5) $3; Children under 5 FREE. The Kansas African American Museum is funded in part by Sedgewick County and the City of Wichita.