Killeen: Arts and History showcase to kick off Black History Month

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Central Texans will celebrate the start of Black History Month with an art and history showcase in Killeen on Saturday.The showcase will feature many keynote presenters, including renowned cartoonist Jerry Craft.

At an early age, Craft says he knew he loved to draw. While reading books, he noticed something he wanted to change.

“I never saw anyone that looked like me in a book unless something bad was happening to them. Early on, I wanted to do books that kids could read it, relax, be happy and see themselves reflected in it,” he said.

As a published children’s author, he did. Craft remains only one of a few syndicated African-American cartoonists in the U.S. His list of accolades include a Newbery Medal, Kirkus prize and Coretta Scott King award.

He will join other artists and groups at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center for a celebration of African-American art and history.

“We see the icons, we see the figures but African-American history extends beyond America here,” said Rodney Duckett.

Immediately following, the stage play “Four Women” will take place from the mind of KZFrazier Drama.

Playwright and director Kerry-Ann Frazier talked about passing down stories told over generations.

I think it is critical when we hear those stories that we really begin to tell them and really teach others about what African-American history is about because it truly is American history,” she said.

— KWTX 10