Tracing Triumphs: The Kinsey Collection Unveils Centuries of Black American Legacy at Holocaust Museum Houston

Kathleen Coleman | 12/14/2023, 5:09 p.m.
Houston Style Magazine is about to welcome an awe-inspiring journey through African American artistry and resilience.

Houston Style Magazine is about to welcome an awe-inspiring journey through African American artistry and resilience.

The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, a profoundly comprehensive chronicle of Black American brilliance, is set to grace the Holocaust Museum Houston from January 12 to June 23, 2024. This remarkable exhibition, sup- ported by Shell USA and housed in the Josef and Edith Mincberg Gallery, boasts a trove of over 100 artifacts that includes not only masterful paintings and sculptures but also illuminates through rare books, letters, photographs, and unseen manuscripts.

Bernard and Shirley Kinsey's labor of love over fifty years unveils a tapestry of stories from 1595 to today, celebrating the milestones and the unsung achievements of Black Americans. This exhibition is no stranger to accolades, having been honored with three national awards, including the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, and it has captivated over 16 million visitors world- wide in cities like Washington D.C., Hong Kong, and Los Angeles.

The collection is a testament to the rich tapestry of African American life, spanning the harrowing years of slavery and the Civil War, through the transformative period of the Harlem Renaissance, and into the powerful movements of modern civil rights activism. It's a historical narrative brought to life through artifacts like bills of sale, emancipation documents, and art from eras of profound change. The Kinsey Collection gives voice to influential artists such as Charles Alston, Richard Barthé, and Bisa Butler, among others, who have depicted the struggles and triumphs of African Americans.

Houston Style Magazine readers are invited to experience this impactful exhibition, where every piece tells a story of challenge, change, and perseverance. With its rich history, the Kinsey Collection not only educates but also inspires a dialogue on the contributions of Black Americans to the nation's canvas. Prepare to be moved by this panoramic view of art and history, a true cultural cornerstone that arrives in Houston in early 2024.