Visit the Central Library to see Westward Bound: African-American Country Music History & Country Lore exhibit from October 5 to December 14 curated by Vania Kinard. In celebration and honor of this exhibit, the Library will host 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 will get a glimpse into the often-overlooked history of Black cowboys and some of the trailblazers in country music. The display cases will feature 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.
