African American Artists Collective | AAAC- KC

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Historical Headline

Lynch Family Blues

Glenn North | Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Poet and spoken word artist Glenn North reading his poem “Lynch Family Blues”, inspired by Joseph Hirsch’s Lynch Family.

The Lynch Family painting is a permanent exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Click here to view and learn more.

For more poetry, connect and engage with us on the AAAC Poetry page.

Historical Highlight

Mr. Dial Has Something to Say

Alabama Public Television

How America Invented Race | The History of White People in America

World Channel

5 Questions with... Pierce Freelon, co-director of "The History of White People in America"

Thornton Dial was a self-taught artist that didn't begin his work until after his retirement from decades of building Pullman cars. His work was universally hailed as brilliant but he labored largely in obscurity for most of his art career. This award-winning film explores Dial's work along with the challenges and biases of a larger art world that wasn't ready for his innate genius.

The white “race” was invented by rich Virginians in 1676 in the aftermath of a populous rebellion of impoverished, indentured, and enslaved Africans and Europeans now known as Bacon’s Rebellion.

Pierce Freelon, co-director of "The History of White People in America," answers five questions from WGBH about life, memories, and what he can't live without.

AAAC Featured Artists

Diallo Javonne French

Documentary Filmmaker

Ed Dwight

Aeronautical Engineer & Sculptor

Get to Know Damron Armstrong

Theatre Community Fund of KC

Congratulations to Diallo Javonne French for being selected to the Better Angels/Lavine Fellowship. Diallo is a filmmaker and music photographer based in Kansas City. Kansas City Dreamin': Music in the Shadows is the short film that earned this prestigious opportunity for Diallo. The film is about the African American musical history of Kansas City. He is currently transitioning the short into a full-length film. The feature-length version will dive much deeper into the city's history, covering jazz, soul, and hip hop- exploring Kansas City's roll in the evolution of American music.

Click here to read more about the fellowship.

Ed Dwight (AAAC Advisor and master sculptor) joined the U.S. Air Force and became a test pilot. While serving, he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University. In 1961, the Kennedy administration selected Dwight for astronaut training.

Click here to learn more about the film, Chasing The Moon, including where to watch the full documentary.

Click here to learn more about Ed Dwight and the arts.

Damron Armstrong has been a fixture in KC Theatre practices for a long time, now he is the Artistic Director of The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City. Here Damron talks about growing up in KC, the impact of The Black Rep and what he hopes to see from other theatres in the near future!

Get to Know: Damron Armstrong - Theatre Community Fund of KC
Interview by Dick Walker

Art. Culture. Community. Connection.

The African American Artists Collective Partners with Shawnee Mission West BSU

The African American Artists Collective of Kansas City (AAAC-KC) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Shawnee Mission West High School Black Student Union (BSU). Together, they are hosting a year-long series of learning experiences for BSU members from all backgrounds - uniting students around culture, creativity, and the shared power of the arts to build understanding and community.

This collaboration connects students directly with professional artists who are not only creators, but also business owners, educators, accountants, designers, and curators. Through real world, hands-on learning experiences, students will discover the many career pathways that intersect with the arts - where imagination meets leadership, and creativity drives innovation across industries.

With feedback and support from AAAC-KC coaches, BSU students will plan, promote, and host arts-based events that celebrate culture and connection. In doing so, they will earn a Market Value Asset (MVA) - a credential recognized throughout the Kansas City metro area for demonstrating professional and real-world learning. These experiences align with the regional Real World Learning initiative, which helps students graduate high school with skills, confidence, and networks that prepare them for success in college, careers, and community life.

Together, AAAC-KC and the Shawnee Mission West BSU are building a bridge between the classroom and the community - empowering young people to see art as a living force for culture, community connections, and career success.

The African American Artists Collective Partners with Shawnee Mission West BSU

Thank You to Our Partners