Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center Hosts Powerful Exhibit

The center's new exhibit "Our Voices Our Truth...In Peace" features local artists and community leaders.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center in Kansas City, Missouri is hosting a new exhibit titled "Our Voices Our Truth...In Peace." The exhibit features the work of local poet, educator, and arts executive Glenn North, as well as artist Michael Brantley. The center's executive director, Emiel Cleaver, joined local news anchors to discuss the powerful exhibit and its importance to the Kansas City community.

Why it matters

The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center plays a vital role in celebrating the history and culture of the Kansas City African American community. This new exhibit provides a platform for local artists and community leaders to share their perspectives and experiences through creative expression.

The details

The "Our Voices Our Truth...In Peace" exhibit at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center showcases the work of poet, educator, and arts executive Glenn North, as well as artist Michael Brantley. The exhibit aims to amplify the voices and experiences of the local African American community through visual art and poetry.

  • The exhibit opened on February 19, 2026.

The players

Emiel Cleaver

The executive director of the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center.

Glenn North

A poet, educator, and arts executive who is featured in the exhibit.

Michael Brantley

An artist whose work is featured in the exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“Our Voices Our Truth...In Peace" is a powerful exhibit that gives a platform to the stories and experiences of our community.”

— Emiel Cleaver, Executive Director, Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center (KCTV5)

The takeaway

The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center continues to be a vital hub for celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Kansas City African American community through impactful exhibits and programming.