Darcus Gates is an award-winning vocalist and recording artist. She is an accomplished entertainer and dynamic performer. For over 30 years, she has called states of Las Vegas “home” before returning to Kansas City, her “true home” . She opened her signature nail salon and day spa, as well as hosting her “Darcas After Dark” music series highlighting Kansas City R&B and jazz artists.

Special Guest, Brandon “Amayzn” Nelson is a spoken word artist known for his impactful down to earth, high-energy delivery.

He is also a vocalist, radio personality, mentor, host and competitive poet , winning many competitions.

Listen, join-in, enjoy libations, art and more at this free event.

Enjoy Music, Art, Libations and More!

The James Ward Band is a contemporary smooth jazz band, whose show consists of a combination of Latin, R&B, Fusion, Funk, Jazz and Gospel music styles.

The JWB ahs a world class sound of it own and is recognized as one of the most sought-after bands in he Kansas City area.

Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with long-time community leaders, role models and “change agents”, as they share their thoughts on life, living and “changing the game” so everyone can “play to win”.

On Saturday, February 22, 2025 1:30-3:30 our conversation will be with       Colonel Reginald Bassa, Sr. (Retired, US Air Force) Tuskegee Airman Pilot and Former Air Force Base Deputy Wing Commander.

Sorry, this event is CANCELLED

Sorry, this event is CANCELLED.

People, Places and Things to Explore Your History

BRW Live Music Fridays

November 1, 2024

December 13, 2024

Enjoy live music, art, libations and more!

JOE MACKLIN & FRIENDS

An award-winning songwriter, vocalist, instrumentalist, and producer,

Joe Macklin has worked with many of the mainstream artists of our time.

He will bring his unique brand of music, and a few of his musical friends

to the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center for a memorable and

fun-filled evening of rhythm and song.

100th Anniversary of the Center/Museum’s namesake, Bruce R. Watkins.

Featuring nationally acclaimed artist.

At the Historic GEM Theater - 18th & Vine District

Purchase tickets at Eventbrite.com

Reserved Seating

Listen

Join-In

Enjoy Libations, Art and More!

James D. Tindall Sr. is Pastor Emeritus of the Metropolitan Spiritual Church of Christ in Midtown, Kansas City, Missouri. He is the founder and convener of the Urban Summit, an organization that brings together elected officials, community residents and others interested in advocacy to address issues of Jackson County Legislator (re-elected to two terms). Rev. Tindall is a longtime member of Freedom, Inc. He serves as a Trustee with the St. Paul School of Theology.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see and hear , firsthand, from this dedicated community and political activist, who has been a respected spiritual leader, mentor, and grassroots advocate for the Kansas City community for more than 50 years.

Meet & Greet reception following the program.

Free to the public.

Please RSVP - call (816) 513-0700

Join us to pay tribute to an outstanding leader and visionary for the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & State Museum.

The Tribute to Wilhelmina L. Stewart will be on Saturday, April 27, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm.

No costs to attend.

Join us for “A Conversation with the Elders”. Calvin Neal has been involved with Kansas City’s Ad-Hoc Group Against Crime since 1984. Over the years, he has marched with group member to bring healing and justice to the Kansas City Metropolitan communities. He is known for his generosity and willingness to counsel and help those impacted by violence and/or homicide.

Based on the part of the title of the play “Four Women” a song written by Nina Simone about four different African American women with varying tones of skin ranging from light to dark and how each one represents an African American stereotype in society is the framework for the play.

Limited Seating - make your reservation

RSVP at (816) 513-0700 or BruceRWatkinsCHC@kcmo.org

The 11th Annual Buy Black Saturday supports Black owned businesses.

10:00 am - 3:00 pm Free to the public

• Local Vendors * Live Entertainment

• * Give Aways * Family Friendly Event

Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with long-time community activists/advocates as they share their perspectives on life, living and “changing the game” so everyone can “play to win”.

On Saturday, November 18, 2023, Melba Curls, former State and City Elected Official and Community Advocate will be our guest.

1:30 pm- 3:30 pm

Kansas City Alexander/Madison Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th Calvary salutes the Buffalo Soldiers on Saturday, November 11, 2023. 4:00 p.m.

Free Admission

We welcome all branches of Service. We welcome all veterans and their families.

There will be a Buffalo Soldiers Exhibit, a Flag Ceremony and Taps.

Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with long-time community activists/advocates as they share their perspectives on life, living and “changing the game” so everyone can “play to win.”

Saturday, October 14, Archie Welch, Political Advisor, Community Organizer and Entrupreneur.

Celebrate with us at our fund-raising gala, "An Evening with Lonnie McFadden”. Lonnie McFadden is an award winning, world renown entertainer with an intricate style that is presented with joy, raw emotion, excitement, and an unmistakable, smooth voice.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 13, 2023, to be at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum, 6-9 PM.

On that day, the Spirit of Freedom Fountain will be 42 years old.  In December, The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum will be 34 years old. 

Our fundraiser will honor these two significant milestones.  Join us for an evening to remember!

Your sponsorship will help us continue to serve our community with outstanding programs, activities, and exhibits, to commemorate and interpret the African-American diaspora particularly in the State of Missouri, the City of Kansas City, MO, and its surrounding areas through fostering educational programs regarding the past, present and contemporary contributions of African-Americans who served to shape the city and state’s history and culture

Contact Gayle Hill-Suber for sponsorship information at geehill2518@gmail.com

Reserve a seat on Eventbrite -  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-lonnie-mcfadden-registration-686610098287?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with long-time community activists/advocates as they share their perspectives on life, living, and “changing the game” so everyone can “play to win”.

Saturday, September 9, 2023 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Charlotte “Mama C” O’Neal Poet, Visual Artist, Musician, Peace Builder and Lifelong Teacher.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see and hear firsthand from a gifted artist and “true revolutionary” who fervently believes in the power of music and art to heal, bring joy, and elevate lives.

Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with long-time Kansas City community activists/advocates as they share their perspectives on life, living and “changing the game” so everyone can “play to win”.

Saturday, August 19, 2023 - Joanne Collins Political Adviser and Community Volunteer

Respected comminity leader, Joanne Collins, sits down with Executive Director, Emiel Cleaver, to talk about her years of service as the first African American woman elected to serve on the KCMO City Council- a position she held for 17 years until retiring in 1991. She will also speak candidly about her experiences in banking, insurance, finance, politics and beyond.

Join us for insightful and up-front conversations with long-time Kansas City community activists/advocates as they share their perspectives on life and “changing the game” so everyone can “play to win”.

Saturday, July 29, 2023 Jim “Grand-Dad” Nunnelly Mentor, Healthcare and Youth Advocate

Community advocate, Jim Nunnelly, sits down with Executive Director, Emiel Cleaver, to share why he is so passionate about healthcare advocacy and youth outreach and mentoring.

A documentary by noted film maker and photogrpher, Diallo J. French, celebrating Kansas City’s African American music culture and its importance to American music from jazz to hop hop, rock-n-roll and soul music genres. The film spotlights area artists such as Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Bobby Watson, Oleta Adams, Janelle Monae and Tech N9ne, who hav had global influence throughout music history.

The Screening of "A Conversation In Dance" and A 2-Step Dance Showcase at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum Friday February 24th at 5:30pm

The documentary focuses on the Kansas City “ 2-Step”, a variation of the jitterbug ballroom dance of the 1940’s that is unique to Kansas City. The film chronicles the spirited quest of 25 couples to win the $10,000.00 BIG STEP-OFF dance contest.

Friday, Februay 14, 2023 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum 3700 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64130

Free Admittance

Dress up and come out to our holiday fundraiser. We are raising money for educational programs and exhibits for teach our youth and our community.

Dress up for this fundraiser to enjoy…

* Live Entertainment

• Black Santa Exhibit

• Good Music

• Good Food

• Good Fun

• Drinks & More

Get your tickets early on Eventbrite by November 30, 2022

Join Missouri State Parks, Kansas City Parks & Recreation and the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum for a FREE event to celebrate this historic ride.

Free bike helmets for kids

Kid’s activities

Music

Replica bicycle and Buffalo Soldier’s Uniform

Exhibits of the route and the riders

Programs and presenters

Food trucks

Please join us at our Closing Reception of our fundraiser, “Black Women Bring Good Things to Life” on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from noon to 6PM.

The artwork of George Mayfield is varied and amazing.

Entertainment will be from 2:00pm -4:00pm.

Mr. Mayfield donates 30% of his sales to support the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum as we continue to educate and inspire our community.