Unveiling and Celebration of the Downtown Black History & Performing Arts Mural on First and Main Street Planned for September 18

(Joplin, MO) – The Langston Hughes Cultural Society and its partners invite the public to a “Meet the Artist” event at the Downtown Black History & Performing Arts Mural on Sunday, September 18 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The mural is located at the intersection of 1st and Main Streets on the north side of Bruce’s Point of View Optical.

Kansas City-based muralist Alexander Austin will be available to sign autographs and speak with attendees. He will also have locally inspired paintings available for sale to the public. This fun, educational celebration will feature music, refreshments, and information about the mural. Special guests include jazz musician Charles McPherson (a prominent figure in the mural), Marjol Rush-Collet (cousin of Langston Hughes), and local and State dignitaries.

Donations for the mural’s longevity plan may be made to The Langston Hughes Cultural Society using one of the following methods:

• PayPal
• Checks, which can be made out to The Langston Hughes Cultural Society: P.O. Box 1183, 101 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO 64802
• The Langston Hughes Cultural Society Facebook page

Please include a note on all donations that the funds are designated for the “Mural.”

The Downtown Black History & Performing Arts Mural is the culmination of several years of planning and the efforts of many local organizations and people including Charles McPherson and his family, Connect2Culture, Joplin Arts District, The Langston Hughes Cultural Society, The Minnie Hackney Community Service Center of Joplin, The Post Art Library, Pro Musica, Spiva Center for the Arts, and Visit Joplin.

The mural wall was generously donated by Bruce Cuthbert, owner of Bruce’s Point of View Optical. This project was significantly funded by the Charles McPherson: The Journey Home Fundraiser in February 2022.

For questions about this event, please contact mural project coordinator Nanda Nunnelly at nandanunnelly@gmail.com or 417.499.1525.

Reference:

Nanda Nunnelly, Mural Project Coordinator
The Langston Hughes Cultural Society
417.499.1525
nandanunnelly@gmail.com