The Houston Museum of African American Culture was in beautiful form after its recent upgrades, just in time for the opening reception for “The Kinsey Collection” that will be on display at HMAAC through the end of October. Houston truly now has a museum of which it can be very proud. Many of Houston’s business, nonprofit, political and educational leaders who came out to see the historically significant “Kinsey Collection” were treated to the opportunity to see the upgraded museum in perfect harmony with this collection of more than 100 unique pieces.
“The Kinsey Collection” includes the original transcript of Solomon Northup’s book that became the award winning movie, 12 Years A Slave, as well as original documents showing Africans in America many years before the founding of Jamestown, Virginia.
Bernard Kinsey, avid collector, philanthropist and educator, began this amazing collection of art, artifacts, documents, and sculptures more than 35 years ago with his wife, Shirley, and son, Khalil. Kinsey was inspired to begin his collection after viewing an original bill of sale for William Johnson for $550 in 1832, an amount equal to $14,400 today.
“’The Kinsey Collection’ strives to give our ancestors a voice, name, and personality, enabling the viewer to understand the challenges, obstacles, triumphs, and extraordinary sacrifice of African Americans who’ve greatly contributed to the success of this country,” says Kinsey.
Visit HMAAC soon to see this extraordinary collection. Click here to see photos of the opening reception.
