Central Library's Westward Bound: African-American Country Music History & Country Lore exhibit ran from October 5 to December 14, 2024 and was curated by Vania Kinard. In celebration and honor of this exhibit, the Library hosted related programming throughout October, November and December. The exhibit and adjacent programming was inspired by the Library’s partnership with the Freight & Salvage’s Deford Bailey Legacy Festival. Deford Bailey was a harmonica virtuoso, first African-American star of the Grand Ole Opry, and is honored at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The Westward Bound: African American Country Music History & Cowboy Lore exhibit was created to celebrate the pioneers of American roots music and Western history. This exhibit features a display of artifacts, including photographs, instruments, books, and memorabilia from Dom Flemons and Vania Kinard’s collection. Visitors had a glimpse into the often-overlooked history of Black cowboys and some of the trailblazers in country music. The display cases featured prominent figures such as Bass Reeves and Bill Pickett, alongside the musical legacies of black country artists ranging from DeFord Bailey, Solomon Burke, and Linda Martell to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album. Westward Bound: African American Country Music History & Cowboy Lore exhibit offers a unique opportunity to explore the connections between black western culture and its influence on American history.
