"Black Is, Black Ain't" at H&R Block Artspace

One of the most complex issues in contemporary American culture today is race - witness the whole situation with Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Cambridge police officer James Crowley. In Kansas City, twenty-six artists explore the history of civil rights, skin color, race and its connection to class in an exhibition at the H&R Block Artspace at the Kansas City Art Institute.

By Laura Spencer

Kansas City, MO – One of the most complex issues in contemporary American culture today is race - witness the whole situation with Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Cambridge police officer James Crowley.

Now, in Kansas City, twenty-six artists explore the history of civil rights, skin color, race and its connection to class in an exhibition at the H&R Block Artspace at the Kansas City Art Institute. It's called "Black is, Black Ain't."

KCUR's Laura Spencer spoke with curator Hamza Walker, who's director of education and associate curator at the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago. Walker says the title of the show is inspired by Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man."

"Black Is, Black Ain't" continues through October 17th at the H&R Block Artspace at the Kansas City Art Institute. Note: The Artspace is open by appointment only August 1 through 8th.

Current Perspectives: Visiting Artist & Scholar Series

Hasan Elahi, September 3, 7:00 pm

Cauleen Smith, September 17, 7:00 pm

Hank Willis Thomas, October 1, 7:00 pm

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