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The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) and Cultural Center Campaign announced today that it has achieved a significant milestone in its construction project, thanks to a recent gift of $250,000 from Bank of America.
“We are inspired by the opportunities the new museum and cultural center will provide in continuing to spur growth and development both in Wichita and across the state,” said Shawn Lancelot, president, Bank of America Wichita. “Bank of America’s leadership gift will help create unique learning experiences for visitors and participants through the Kansas African American Museum’s (TKAAM) rich collection of local African American art, artifacts, pictures, and documents and enrich local understanding.”
Ted Ayres, TKAAM Campaign Leadership Committee member, expressed his gratitude. “We are extremely proud of and grateful to Bank of America. As a board member and former executive director, I, along with the rest of the TKAAM team, are elated to have them as a partner.”
With the Bank of America announcement, the campaign has crossed the $6 million mark. TKAAM announced its campaign at its 25th anniversary celebration in 2023.
TKAAM Board Chair C. Edward Watson II, partner Foulston Siefkin LLP, highlighted the benefits of the new facility and location, stating it will allow TKAAM to maximize its programming, exhibitions, and educational and cultural activities. “The new museum and cultural center will be an exceptional community and statewide resource. TKAAM has dedicated the last 27 years to sharing the Kansas African American experience, and with the new facility, even more people will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and experiences that help build stronger communities today.
Watson shared that remediation work and interior demolition of the former Sunflower Bank building at 201 North Main begin in February. “There is much work to do, and to control costs and maintain our schedule, we have started initial work.”
Founded in 1998, the Kansas African American Museum has operated from the former Calvary Baptist Church built in 1917 in north downtown Wichita. TKAAM has played a pivotal role in developing and funding the Kansas Black History Trail, which encompasses Wichita and other Kansas communities. TKAAM is a steward of the Kansas Trailblazer Hall of Fame and curates the most extensive collection of Kansas African American history and heritage. For nearly three decades, TKAAM has delivered cultural and educational programming both on-site and throughout Wichita and other communities across Kansas.
For more information call or email:
Amy Williams
316.262.7651
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