ABOUT THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AFRICAN
AMERICAN HERITAGE
From the 1920s to the 1950s, Old Walnut Street in downtown Louisville was a center for African American culture and business in the region. Black-owned businesses thrived, and the musical venues and theaters brought people of all cultures to the area. Urban renewal in the ‘50s ended much of this, but we haven’t forgotten our past.
In 1994, the African American Heritage Foundation (AAHF) began with the initial goal of preserving African American sites, communities, and culture. This started with the preservation of historic structures in the African American community in Louisville, as well as the use of historic markers to recognize important sites.
The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage is the next step in this process of preservation, with the added goal of acting as a source of revitalization and education for the Kentucky African American community and beyond. An evolution of the Louisville and Jefferson County African American Heritage Committee, the Heritage Center is a place for African American spoken word, visual and performingartists, to collaborate and give the rich heritage of African Americans the voice and platform they deserve.
The Heritage Center’s campus sits on the historic Louisville Street Railway Complex, a centerpiece for the fight for transportation equality in 1876. Since the renovation of the 55,000 sq. foot campus, we’ve worked to raise public awareness about the history, heritage, and cultural contributions of African Americans in Kentucky and in the African Diaspora. The Heritage Center is also a vital, contemporary institution, providing space for exhibitions and performances of all types.
Located at 18th and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, the Heritage Center overlooks the area that once was Old Walnut Street. This area holds special significance for Kentuckiana’s African American community. Through the efforts of the Heritage Center, with help from the community, we hope to make it a place of cultural significance once more. The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage is dedicated to the sole purpose of showcasing our community’s triumphs. Here, African American history has the platform to share its monumental achievements with the community in which they took place.
OUR MISSION
KCAAH’s goals are to enhance the public’s knowledge about the history, heritage and cultural contributions of African Americans in Kentucky, and in the African Diaspora. In addition to its commitment to preserving the traditions and accomplishments of the past, the Center is a vital, contemporary institution, providing space for exhibitions and performances of all types.
ABOUT THE CURATORS
Aukram Burton’s extensive career as a photographer and producer has taken him on a global journey, capturing the essence of diverse cultures across continents. His portfolio spans an array of destinations, including Barbados, Brazil, Benin, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ghana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nigeria, Panama, Senegal, South Africa, Tibet, and various locales throughout the United States. His work serves as a visual narrative of humanity’s rich tapestry. Aukram holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art, a Master of Education in Instructional Design, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in International Education. He further honed his expertise as a research fellow at the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Aukram has curated numerous exhibitions both nationally and internationally. Notable national exhibitions include “Glimpses of the Middle Kingdom” at the Museum of the National Center of AfroAmerican Artists in Boston, Massachusetts (1986), “Images From Nigeria” at the Cone Center Gallery, University of North Carolina, Charlotte (1998), and “Journeys Through the African Diaspora” at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (2012). Internationally, Aukram has curated exhibitions such as the “Boston Collective Group Exhibition” at the Guangzhou Fine Arts Academy in Guangzhou, China, as part of a bilateral cultural exchange between Massachusetts and Guangdong Province (1986), and “Journeys Through the African Diaspora,” a permanent photography exhibition at Universidad del Valle Sede Pacifico in Buenaventura, Colombia (2018). In recognition of his dedication to cultural exploration, in January 2023, Aukram received a curator travel grant from the Great Meadows Foundation, allowing him to conduct curatorial research in Benin, West Africa, and explore opportunities for art and cultural exchange. Aukram’s curation approach reflects his profound understanding of cultural nuances and his steadfast commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.
Julia Youngblood, founder of Youngblood Harmonizing Arts, is recognized in the arts and social justice communities for her multifaceted contributions and commitment to fostering creativity and cultural equity. She has received the 2024 Fund for the Arts Community Event Grant, the 2023 Curate, Purchase, Inspire award from Louisville Visual Art, and the 2022 Indiana Arts Commission On-Ramp fellowship. Julia’s academic journey includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bennington College and a Master of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute. Her diverse skill set encompasses arts education, photography, Jin Shin Jyutsu practice, and multidisciplinary artistry, showcased in solo and group exhibitions across Kentucky, Vermont, New Mexico, and California. Her recent solo exhibition, “Held in the Sway,” featuring captivating paintings and printed textiles, was hosted at Lodgic Loft Gallery in 2022. With a rich history of community engagement, Julia dedicated sixteen impactful years to directing ArtsReach, a renowned community arts program at Kentucky Performing Arts. Her commitment to advancing cultural equity extends beyond local initiatives, as evidenced by her participation in panels for esteemed institutions such as the National Endowment for the Arts and The Kentucky Arts Council. Julia serves as an advisor on cultural equity for the Kentucky Peer Advisory Network. Driven by a profound belief in the healing and transformative power of art, she is deeply passionate about promoting individual and community wellbeing. Julia actively engages with various community organizations, including KCAAH’s Samuel Plato Industrial and Creative Arts Institute, JCPS Elev8, Molo Village, Maryhurst, BluePrint 502, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, and Dreams with Wings, facilitating artsbased programming designed to empower individuals and foster connection. In addition to her community involvement, Julia plays a vital role in supporting exhibitions and curation at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, further exemplifying her dedication to amplifying diverse voices and narratives within the arts landscape. Julia’s tireless advocacy for cultural equity and her holistic approach to art and wellness inspire and uplift communities, embodying her vision of harmonizing mind, body, and spirit for a better world.
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1. Rayssa Reflection
2. She Turned
3. Sudanic Crucifixion
4. Pink Wraps
5. New York Model
6. Tree Knowledge
7. Miss Hope
8. Bright Eyes
9. Real History
10. My Mountain Vision
11. How Long
12. The Mindset
13. Daddy Practicing
14. Red Rose
15. Sudanic Awaken
16. The Subtle Beginning
17. Butterfly Nemesis
18. Pose Dance
19. Algerian Mercenary
20. The Wait
21. Papa Sowing
22. Water Tower
23. Setting Red
24. Derby Sight
25. Edited Serenade
26. Pink Blossom
27. Kemetic Queen
28. Melting
29. The Reason
30. Freedom
31. I Wish She Were Back
32. Civil War Victory Explained
33. Gaza
34. John Lewis – Good
35. Feared
"My mother encouraged my interest in art as a constructive outlet for my hyperactivity. As a result, I developed a lifelong devotion to painting and photography, which led to my becoming a professional photographer. This career allowed me to document numerous organizations, events, and historical figures both in and outside of Louisville. My love for painting has been shared on a personal rather than a commercial basis. That payoff has been one daughter, an award-winning artist, a son, and another incredibly creative daughter. " – James Bennett
Photo Courtesy JaBani Bennett, 2024
"I have found purpose in my artistic endeavors by documenting significant people and events in my community and beyond while inspiring my children's creativity. Creativity is a labor of love with an enduring legacy." – James Bennett
This retrospective exhibition showcases 35 works by Louisville native James G. Bennett. Bennett is a seasoned and prolific self-taught artist whose creative journey spans over four decades. He is an interdisciplinary artist skilled in paper mâché, plastics, oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting. His vibrant community murals capture the essence of public storytelling. After decades of working as a chemical technician in Louisville’s Rubber Town, Bennett recycled plastic waste and found other objects for creative experimentation.
As a cornerstone of Louisville’s cultural history, Bennett has meticulously documented its evolution as a community photographer. Guided by the legendary Bud Dorsey and a cadre of unsung local photographers, he cofounded the groundbreaking Black-led modeling, entertainment, and photography collective Black Exposure, active during the 1970s and 1980s. Most recently, Bennett was the featured photographer for 25 youth-designed banners showcasing West Louisville’s heritage.
In addition to painting, Bennett devotes his time to empowering community elders by enhancing their digital engagement, ensuring they stay connected in an increasingly virtual world. Renowned for his generosity and humility, Bennett is beloved by his community, which appreciates his contributions and spirit, truly embodying the title of “artist.” Encouraged by his mother to explore art as a constructive outlet for his hyperactivity, Bennett developed a lifelong passion for painting and photography, ultimately becoming a professional photographer. This career allowed him to document numerous organizations, events, and historical figures in and around Louisville. Until now, his love for painting has been shared personally but never with the community. Although his work has not been exhibited publicly until now, he has expressed gratitude for the creative successes and visibility of his children, JaBani, Jameson, and Nubia.
01. Rayssa Reflection, 1978
Acrylic on Cloth
68” x 48” • $7,000
02.She Turned, 1983
Mixed Media on Plexiglass
49” x 19” • $700
03.Sudanic Crucifixion, 1993
Acrylic on Canvas Mounted on Wood 21” x 27” • $750
04.Pink Wraps, 2001
Acrylic on Canvas Board 16” x 20” • $450
05. New York Model, 2005 Acrylic on Paper 14” x 10.4” • $200
07. Miss Hope, 2006
Oil on Canvas 16” x 20” • $300
06. Tree Knowledge, 2005
Acrylic on Canvas 14” x 48” • $300
08. Bright Eyes, 2007
Acrylic on Canvas Board
20” x 16” • $300
09. Real History, 2011 Acrylic on Canvas 70” x 46” • $2,500
10. My Mountain Vision, 2011
Acrylic on Press Wood
36” x 48” • $2000
11. How Long, 2013
Acrylic on Canvas
7” x 5” • $200
12. The Mindset, 2014
Acrylic on Plexiglass
38” x 60” • $2,000
13. Daddy Practicing, 2014
Acrylic on Canvas 8 x 10” • $450
Acrylic on Canvas
16” x 20” • $350
15.
Acrylic on Canvas
20” x 16” • $450
14. Red Rose, 2014
Sudanic Awaken, 2015
16.The Subtle Beginning, 2015 Mixed Media Diptych 30” x 10” • $450
17. Butterfly Nemesis, 2016 Acrylic on Canvas 20” x 16” • $200
18. Pose Dance, 2020 Acrylics on Plexiglass 16” x 19” • $450
19. Algerian Mercenary, 2020 Acrylic on Canvas
39” x 24” • $550
20. The Wait, 2020 Oil on Plexiglass
12” x 34” • $450
21. Papa Sowing, 2020 Color Pencil on Paper 16” x 20” • $650
22. Water Tower, 2020 Watercolor on Paper 11” x 15” • $350
23. Setting Red, 2020
Acrylic
on Canvas 24” x 30” • $550
24. Derby Sight, 2020
Acrylic on Canvas 37” x 54” • $1000
25. Edited Serenade, 2020
Acrylic on Canvas 16” x 20” • $300
26.Pink Blossom, 2020 Acrylic on Canvas 20” x 16” • $350
27.Kemetic Queen, 2021
Acrylic on Canvas 24” x 18” • $450
28.Melting, 2021
Acrylic on Canvas
18” x 24” • $250
29.The Reason, 2021
Acrylic on Canvas
20” x 16” • $500
30.Freedom, 2022
Acrylic on Plasterboard
40” x 30” • $1000
31.I Wish She Were Back, 2022
Acrylic on Canvas
18” x 24” • $450
32.Civil War Victory Explained, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas
20” x 16” • $1500
33.Gaza, 2023
Watercolor on Paper 18” x 24” • $500
34.John Lewis - Good, 2024
Watercolor on Paper 12” x 16” • $550
35.Feared, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas 12” x 16” • $250
