December 27, 2022 – (KEY WEST, FL).  The Key West Art & Historical Society invites the community to attend a free lecture by Dr. Cori Convertito titled, “Shaping an Island: Key West’s Black History.”  The lecture will be held at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street, on Thursday, January 5, beginning at 6:00 p.m.  The program is free of charge, but advance registration is required to ensure seating.  To register online visit www.kwahs.org/upcoming-events/blackhistory

“Key West’s Black community has endured formidable obstacles to make their mark upon on our island, and Dr. Convertito presents new understandings of their contributions and achievements,” says Michael Gieda, Executive Director of the Key West Art & Historical Society.  “We urge one and all to join us in this exploration of Black history and to learn more about this marginalized group.”

The presenter has served as the curator and historian for the Society for the last 12 years while also acting as an adjunct instructor of American History at the College of the Florida Keys.  She received her Ph.D. from the University of Exeter during which time she examined British West Indies development during the eighteenth century and its influence on health and medicine.  She is also curating the upcoming exhibition, “Bahama Village: Relics of a Fading Community” that will open to the public on January 13, 2023, at the Key West Museum of Art & History.

This program is free and is limited to 150 attendees; registration is required kwahs.org/upcoming-events/blackhistory.  Support for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Additional support was provided by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, The Helmerich Trust, Aloys & Carol Metty, and The John & Marilyn Rintamaki Family Charitable Fund.  For more information, contact Kim Livingston at 305-295-6616 x506 or [email protected].  Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.

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IMAGE 1: The history, contributions, and achievements of Key West’s Black community will be presented in the Key West Art & Historical Society’s upcoming Distinguished Speaker Series lecture, “Shaping an Island: Key West’s Black History”.  The January 5 lecture takes place at Tropic Cinema and is free to the community, however registration is required www.kwahs.org/upcoming-events.  (Photo Credit: Key West Art & Historical Society)

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