Bernard and Shirley Kinsey: Preserving Black History Through Art

This episode of Masters of the Game features Bernard and Shirley Kinsey. They are usually not only collectors of artworks, but additionally curators of history. Over the years, their passion for collecting African-American art has evolved into a robust mission to preserve and share the wealthy cultural contributions of Black Americans. What began as a hobby has grown into one of the crucial necessary private art collections within the country, with works spanning centuries that tell the story of Black life, struggle and triumph.

Their collection includes over 3,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and artifacts from the 18th century to the current. Many works are rare and often ignored by traditional art institutions, highlighting the resilience and creativity of Black artists throughout history. The Kinseys intentionally ensured that their collection reflected individual achievements and the collective journey of Black people in America.

For Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, the gathering is greater than just art – it’s a living, respiration story that deserves to be shared. They have exhibited their collections in museums across the country and proceed to share them with the general public to teach and encourage. They see it as part of a bigger cultural narrative and are not looking for to sell any a part of it, wanting to maintain it intact for future generations. For the Kinseys, this collection is a legacy that speaks to the past, enriches the current and shapes the long run.