When the Smithsonian Institution opens the National Museum of African American History and Culture this Saturday, Sept. 24, in Washington, D.C., the celebration will reach beyond the nation's capital to Bethel College in North Newton.
The doors open in D.C. on the same day the Kauffman Museum in North Newton will host “A Place for All People: Introducing the National Museum of African American History and Culture.” The poster exhibition from the Smithsonian will feature artifacts that tell the diverse story of the black experience.
Kauffman Museum Director Annette LeZotte says one of the artifacts is a 1972 campaign poster that features Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American Congresswoman.
"She ran in the Democratic primary for president of the United States under the campaign slogan 'Unbought and Unbossed: Bringing U.S. Together,'" LeZotte says. "I think that is really interesting given the current political climate and some of the campaign slogans this year."
LeZotte will also give a presentation on the 100-year effort to create the museum and a sneak peek at pictures of some of the galleries.
The commemorative poster exhibition opens on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kauffman Museum, located at 27th and Main in North Newton.
The Kauffman Museum will also host a student exhibit of works inspired by African-American history to complement the grand opening of the Smithsonian's new museum. A reception for the student exhibit will be held Sunday, Sept. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m.
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Carla Eckels is assistant news director and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels.
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