HOUSTON — One of the ways KHOU 11 News is celebrating Black History Month is by highlighting African-Americans' contributions to the arts.
Black History Month is considered one of the nation’s oldest organized history celebrations and has been recognized by U.S. presidents for decades through proclamations and celebrations.
Gite Gallery
The house in Houston’s Third Ward is more than just a home. Inside is an explosion of modern African art, from statues to masks and paintings. Houston native Lloyd Gite, a journalist turned gallery owner, started selling art more than 30 years ago.
“I didn't want a gallery with white walls,” Gite said. “I wanted a gallery that made you feel at home."
Uncle Jumbo
Uncle Jumbo, whose real name is James Pendleton, was born in San Antonio and has lived in Houston since he was a teenager. His album "Taste The Sky" was up for best children’s music album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
“I got to work on this album with my family," he said. "It’s a very family-involved album that got nominated."
Kinsey Collection
More than 100 works from the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection are now on display at Houston's Holocaust Museum.
"We've worked to uncover the uncanny connections, often unknown connections and understandings of allyship between African-American and Jewish communities, through the lens of arts and culture," said chief curator Khalil Kinsey.
The collection includes masterful paintings, sculptures, photographs and more.
"We are in a moment of time where hatred is on the rise, and the more we understand that we are together and have a duty to be together in fighting against this, the stronger we are," Kinsey said.
The exhibit runs through June 23, 2024.
Designed 2 Dance
Inside Houston dance studio Designed 2 Dance, students are using their classes as a starting point to a college education.
"Our dancers are exposed to different HBCUs all over the world that have different styles of dance some are very technical and some dance a little harder than others. That's why we have a melting pot so they can choose what they would like to go," said founder Tracee Davis.
Dancers have different classes where they're able to learn ballet, jazz, hip-hop, pointe and also Broadway-style dance and production.
"Even though the dancing is great, and the HBCUs are great, we make sure our dancers choose on the school first and then on dancing because we want them to love the HBCU style we want to make sure they also have a degree and they have a career along that path," Davis said.
These dancers are ready to leap to new heights with upcoming performances in Las Vegas and on a Carnival Cruise while also preparing for a college tour along the east coast.
