The Knoxville Museum of Art and African American Appalchian Arts, Inc. are

honoring black culture this month in the first Family Day of the year.

Family Day is Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the KMA.

Beverly Broyles, KMA’s director of public programming, said all visitors to

this event can benefit by gaining an appreciation of the diversity of

heritage.

“People can just experience the joy of the celebration and richness of the

African American culture through music, song, and art,” she said.

Richard Wall, KMA public relations coordinator, said the museum is active

in responding and appealing to a diverse audience.

“There is a wide range of activities in this event to create a nurturing

experience about black culture,” he said.

WIVK’s Hallerin Hill will be master of ceremonies. He will be joined by

representatives from sponsor Third National Bank in three hours of

activities designed for the whole family.

For children, there will be a fabric and mask making event under the

direction of artists Gloria Colquitt and Fritz Massaquoi. Broyles said the

kids can take the masks they make with them when they leave and several

will be put on display in the museum.

Knoxville’s Kuumba Watoto Drum and Dance Ensemble will perform traditional

African songs, dances and talk about African history and culture.

“Kuumba Watoto means ‘creative children,'” Broyles said. “They help make

the event multi-faceted.”

Knoxville College author and poet Earl Pruitt will be on hand to read his

poetry, a contribution from the Knoxville Writer’s Guild’s Luminous World

Series.

Visitors will get a chance to experience black gospel performances by three

choirs present for the event.

Broyles said there will be exhibits promoting the Alex Haley Memorial at

Morningside Park and a photo exhibition from Pellissippi State honoring

local young black leaders.

There is no admission charge and everyone is welcome.