During this Black History Month, the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF) extends its most profound appreciation to six pivotal African American organizations that have significantly shaped Houston’s cultural landscape. Among these honored are the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, SHAPE Community Center, Community Artists’ Collective, Community Music Center of Houston, Houston Museum of African American Culture, and Nia Cultural Center in Galveston. Each has been designated a Houston Cultural Treasure, acknowledging their commitment to preserving and promoting African American heritage and arts.
Nia Cultural Center
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Shondra Muhammad, Deputy Executive of SHAPE Community Center, reflects on the essence of Black History Month, “Our history, Black history, is why SHAPE exists. Black History Month holds cultural and historical significance, marking a time when the impact of Black people was largely omitted from American History. SHAPE celebrates Black History daily, striving to highlight the richness of Black culture.”
The impact of SHAPE Community Center on the community is profound, offering educational programs and a safe space for cultural expression. “Being designated as a Houston Cultural Treasure in our 55th year is an immense honor,” says Shondra. “It acknowledges the collective efforts of those who’ve shaped SHAPE into the institution it is today.”
SHAPE Community Center
Commmunity Artists’ Collective
Like its fellow honorees, SHAPE Community Center faces challenges unique to African American organizations, particularly in the arts. “Our work is often not recognized as ‘fine’ art, diminishing its value as merely crafts or primitive.”
This sentiment is echoed by Desmond Bertrand-Pitts of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, who views Black History Month as a celebration of black leadership, accomplishments, and the unwavering spirit of African American soldiers. Despite historical marginalization, the museum has steadfastly overcome these challenges by engaging with the community, expanding narratives, reaching new audiences, and providing accurate knowledge to all generations. “We persist by knocking on—and knocking down—doors that serve as barriers to access,” says Bertrand-Pitts.
Community Music Center of Houston
Houston Museum of African American Culture
The impact of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum extends far beyond its exhibitions. It serves as an educational resource, a community space, and a partner for veteran service organizations, fostering collaboration, dialogue, and engagement.
The Houston Cultural Treasures harbor ambitious dreams for the future, envisioning a Houston where the contributions of BIPOC artists are not only acknowledged but celebrated for their vital role in the city’s cultural richness. They advocate for an equitable arts sector where artists of color are empowered with the necessary support and resources to flourish. Moreover, they strive for a community where collaboration and respect transcend all cultural and ethnic divisions, fostering a truly inclusive environment.
As BANF celebrates these organizations, it also highlights the ongoing need for support, advocacy, and collaboration. These Houston Cultural Treasures preserve and share the African American narrative, enriching Houston’s cultural diversity and artistic innovation.
This Black History Month, BANF invites the community to recognize and support the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, SHAPE Community Center, and other esteemed Houston Cultural Treasures.
About Houston Cultural Treasures:
Houston Cultural Treasures, chosen by BANF, have demonstrated exceptional community advocacy, cultural production, and connectivity. These institutions have played a critical role in enriching and uplifting Houston’s communities of color. Along with recognition, they receive multi-year general operating grants, aiding their continued influence on the city’s BIPOC arts ecosystem. The cohort includes notable organizations, including Arte Publico Press, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Community Artists’ Collective, Community Music Center of Houston, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Indo-American Association, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts, Nia Cultural Center, Nuestra Palabra, SHAPE Community Center, and Silambam Houston.