Go on a live tour of the Westward Bound: African-American Country Music History & Cowboy Lore exhibit by curator Vania Kinard and Grammy award winning musician, Dom Flemons. Vania and Dom created this exhibit 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 their 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 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.
Tours will occur simultaneously in the 2nd floor historical lobby and on the 5th floor beginning at 10:30 AM.