In celebration of 40 years as a cultural touchstone of the community, this oral history series shines a light on Kalamazoo’s Black Arts and Cultural Center. Founded by James Palmore in 1986, the Black Arts and Cultural Center features community programming, art exhibitions, performances, and creative space to foster Black brilliance and culture. Founder James Palmore, alongside past and present directors and board members, share their reflections on the center; its contribution to the city, triumphs and hardships, and all the memories in between that have cemented the Black Arts and Cultural Center as a staple of Kalamazoo's past, present, and future.
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Black Arts and Cultural Center Part Two: A conversation with Sidney Ellis, Kim Guess, and Yolanda Lavender
Sidney Ellis, Kim Guess, and Yolanda Lavender
In Part Two, Sidney Ellis, Yolanda Lavender, and Kim Guess discuss the following topics with interviewer JB Brown:
- Each of their beginnings with the Black Arts and Cultural Center;
- The Black Arts and Cultural Center and Black Arts Festival being visible in the city of Kalamazoo, and the influence that had on younger residents such as Kimberly;
- Reflections as former Executive Directors of the Black Arts and Cultural Center from Sidney and Yolanda;
- Community impact and opportunities for Black artist in the city;
- The expansion of programs and partnerships under the BACC;
- Face Off Theatre;
- Intentional location changes of the Black Arts Festival;
- How unity and collaboration has sustained the work of the Center.
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Black Arts and Cultural Center Part One: A conversation with Buddy Hanna and James Palmore
Buddy Hanna and James Palmore
James Palmore and Buddy Hannah discuss the following topics with interviewer JB Brown:
- The founding of the Black Arts and Cultural Center;
- Unity of Black artists in Gail Sydnor, James Palmore, Bertha McNeal, Lois Jackson;
- Early opportunities for black arts in Kalamazoo, Michigan;
- Events leading up to the first Black Arts Festival in 1986;
- Transitioning from the Black Arts & Cultural Committee to the Black Arts & Cultural Center;
- Building locations over the years;
- Their own personal reflections on memories of their work and time with the Black Arts & Cultural Center.