KILLEEN, Texas — The community was brought together Saturday by nonprofit I.M.P.A.C. Outreach to lift up African American history for the seventh annual African American Arts and History Showcase held in Killeen.
Small business owners, educators, artists and more gathered at the Killeen Civic and Events Center to show the spectrum of the African American journey toward Black excellence.
Community members gathered to pay homage to their ancestors as drums from younger generations carrying on tradition played throughout the center.
At times there were moments of silence, where only the individual could hear their whispers of prayer.
Leaders reminded their communities where they came from and the suffering that has gotten them to the excellence they embody today. Hand in hand each person bowed their heads and prayed.
Educators, artists, cooks and those who wanted to learn and embrace culture shared topics to enhance the lives of other for generations.
Dr. Rodney Duckett, the founder of I.M.P.A.C. Outreach said this event is to create open dialogue.
"Alot of times people are very deficient in African American history," Duckett said.
But the African American Arts and History Showcase will change that. Business owners had the chance to share ideas and mingle with the community, while young entrepreneurs had the chance to share their artwork and handwritten books with the world.
"We are more layered and complex than people think," he added.
All proceeds from the African American Arts and History Showcase will go back to juvenile detention centers, so that everyone can have a chance to see a better future.