Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/61584
Publisher's Message For every painting, sculpture, document or art object of the collection thatwas projected on the screen,Bernard had a fascinating and sometimes poignant story to tell,weaving each talewith humor and emotion that kept the audience at one moment spellbound, and in the next exploding with laughter. In addition to the Kinsey's presentation, the event began with a musi- cal offering and included opening remarks by USC President C. L.Max Nikias. As guests filed out of the auditorium at the end of the presentation on Gloria and I had the pleasure of attending a special fundraiser at USC's Bovard Hall recently for a presentation by Bernard and Shirley Kinsey. The focus of their outstanding offering was entitled "The Kinsey Collection: An Evening ofArt & Legacy." The Kinseys have devoted much of the last quarter century to assembling a collection of historically significant art objects, documents, photographs and other artifacts that depict the legacy and accomplishments of African-Americans in these United States. Whatmakes theKinsey Collection so special is not only the historic and cul- tural value of the collection itself, but the life that this dynamic duo breathes into the collection with their wit, pas- sion and obvious affection for our com- munity. In the short hour that first Shirley, and then Bernard were on stage, they shared more knowledge and little-known facts about the astounding accomplishments and successes of African-Americans than many if not most of us learned in all our years of schooling. their way to the reception, they lined up for a complimentary copy of SharedTreasures ofBernard and ShirleyKinsey a 198-page,must-read cof- fee table book, representing the definitive story of theAfrican-American experience from1604-present, told through original art, historical artifacts and authentic documents. One of the few published works that includes many overlooked and often untold stories ofAfrican-American achieve- ment and contribution, itmakes an excellent resource for personal discov- ery and inspiration. On their website, The Kinsey Collection is described as "an extensive museum exhibition drawn from the artistic and historical treasures col- lected by California residents, Bernard and Shirley Kinsey. From rarely seen slave owners' documents and brilliant expressions in paint to glimpses into private eighteenth and nineteenth-century lives, the Kinsey Collection reflects a rich cultural and historical heritage which they share and hope to preserve for future generations. The exhibit has been dis- played in seven museums across the country,most recently concluding an 8-month stay at the Smithsonian National Museum ofAmerican History inWashington,DC where it was visited by over 2.5 million people." Funds raised at the event will benefit the USC Black Alumni Association,which provides scholarships for USC's Black students. Over 1,000 students, alumni, donors and distinguished guests attended the pres- entation and reception that followed. I'm not sure if the Kinsey Collection will hit the road again for other exhibits, but if there's any chance that it will, your destination should def- initely get in the bidding. The collection, and the Kinseys are uplifting, entertaining, inspirational, and not to be missed. Trust me. Solomon J. Herbert Publisher/Editor-in-Chief E-Mail: BMandTMag@aol.com Black Meetings & Tourism is published bi-monthly by SunGlo Enterprises, 20840 Chase St., Winnetka, CA 91306-1207 •Telephone: (818)709- 0646/Fax: (818) 709-4753 Copyright 2012 by SunGlo Enterprises. All rights reserved. Single Copies, $6.00 Subscriptions $45.00. Postage Paid at Pasadena, CA. •Postmaster send address changes to Black Meetings & Tourism, 20840 Chase St., Winnetka, CA 91306-1207. 4 Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com