A Day of Culture, Art, and Education in Killeen
KILLEEN, Texas – The African American Arts and History Showcase brought a full day of creativity, culture, and education to the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. This special event highlighted the talents of local artists, authors, chefs, and other creatives while honoring African American history and contributions to the community.
The main ballroom was bustling with energy as vendors showcased their work, offering a diverse mix of art, literature, and culinary delights. The event also featured guest speakers from across the country, adding a national perspective to the local celebration.
Guest Speakers Inspire the Community
One of the event’s coordinators, Kasba Degrate, expressed excitement over the distinguished speakers who joined the showcase.
“With this one, we brought down two heavy hitters, one from Staten Island, Dr. Virginia Allen, and also a tour guide from Washington D.C., Mr. James Daughtery,” said Degrate.
These speakers brought valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of education, history, and artistic expression within the African American community.
Young Author Encourages Literacy and Representation
Among the speakers was a remarkable young girl, Ja’Nay Ratcliff, who has already written and published her sixth book. She spoke passionately about the significance of literacy and representation in literature, particularly for African American children.
“Me personally, I think it’s especially important for little Black and African American children to know how to read, to know how to spell, et cetera,” Ja’Nay said. “Especially with me being African American as well and me writing the books as young as I did, I would like other African American girls to know that you can do this too.”
Her story served as an inspiration to young attendees, proving that creativity and success have no age limit.
Why Events Like This Matter
The African American Arts and History Showcase was more than just a celebration—it was an opportunity for the community to come together, learn from one another, and uplift African American voices. Events like these provide a space where local talent can shine and where history, culture, and creativity intersect.
Degrate emphasized the importance of hosting such gatherings:
“It gives everyone a chance to learn from one another.”
As Killeen continues to grow, events like this showcase serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that exists within the community and the importance of supporting and celebrating it.
