Champion of preserving and teaching Black history

KEVIN THOMAS

Kevin Thomas of Charlotte created this hand-crafted diorama of Frederick Douglass as part of Black Xperience 365, a travel exhibit depicting major events and people in Black history.

Since late 2020, anti-Critical Race Theory measures have been enacted in cities and school systems in almost every state in the country. 

Like millions of Black people who cherish their heritage, Kevin Thomas is alarmed at the growing disregard for the history of an entire race. 

“I noticed a concerted effort to limit, change, or erase Black history and the stories behind it,” said  Thomas, 46, of Charlotte. 

A lifelong Black art and history enthusiast, Thomas spent years collecting art and artifacts related to Black history from across the world. But once he realized that there was an organized effort to extinguish that history, he decided to turn his personal passion into a tool for educating and preserving it. 

“[First] I wanted to show my daughter, and children like her, that the enslaved people who built the White House are just as important as those who lived in it,” Thomas said. “I [also] realized I wanted to find a creative way to share some of my collection with others. Two years ago, that vision became a reality. I decided to make it a traveling museum.

“I traveled across the country visiting museums and historical sites that represent Black history,” he recounts. “I drew inspiration from these visits and [bought] unique art and artifacts.” 

The traveling exhibit, which Thomas named Black Xperience 365, was a labor of love. Outside of literally creating parts of the exhibit with his own hands, Thomas poured personal time, resources and energy into bringing his vision to life. One of his earliest hurdles was funding. 

“I’ve learned that people don’t invest in dreams; they invest in results,” Thomas said, adding, “I had to spend a significant amount of my money and time to develop this, but it has been the best investment I could have made.” 

In addition to contributing his own finances, Thomas has created 15 meticulously researched and handcrafted dioramas for the exhibit. The Birmingham Jail, Emmett Till’s funeral, Frederick Douglass’ parlor and a slave cabin are some of the three-dimensional recreations he created in miniature.  

While funding and spare time have been hard to come by for Thomas, the passion for his project has never been in short supply. 

“My love for Black history dates back to when I was 12 years old,” Thomas said. “It began with a lesson I like to call ‘The Outhouse.’” 

Thomas recalled being suspended from school for fighting and sitting on the porch with his grandfather, who he affectionately called “Bo.” 

“He asked me why I had gotten into a fight, and I told him, ‘I fought because some kid was picking on my clothes, and I’m tired of being poor,’” he said. “Bo looked at me and smiled, saying, ‘You are not poor; you have a bathroom.’”

Thomas says that when he countered that his household of eight was serviced by only one bathroom, his grandfather smiled and said, “When I was your age, I used an outhouse.” 

“This conversation turned into a history lesson about how far my family, and Black families like mine, have come,” Thomas said. “That was the moment my fascination with Black history began.”  

That fascination was a large reason that Thomas, who was born and raised in Miami, ended up in Charlotte and Johnson C. Smith University. 

“I wanted to attend a school that celebrated my passion for history,” he said. “JCSU offered me that opportunity, and I was eager to leave Miami and carve my own path.” 

Thomas made Charlotte home after graduating. For the last two decades he has worked in various human resources roles, specifically in diversity, equity and inclusion. Currently, Thomas is director of DEI for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. 

KEVIN THOMAS

Kevin Thomas of Charlotte is founder of the Black Xperience 365 traveling exhibit.

While Black 365 Xperience has already staged successful exhibits, Thomas’ hope is that word will continue to spread, generating greater interest not just in his pet project, but Black history as a whole. 

“It offers an opportunity for people to engage with and appreciate Black culture, art history and achievements,” he said. “It serves as a platform for important discussions around race, equity and social justice that can benefit everyone in society.” 

Thomas also sees the exhibit as a way to counter efforts to curtail course studies about Black history in schools across the nation. 

“This initiative fosters an environment for learning,” he said, adding, “Promoting understanding and respect among all communities.” 

Besides celebrating diversity and cultural collaboration, Thomas feels that the exhibit fosters a feeling of pride and inspiration for Black people when they study the “stories of resilience and success” in the exhibit. 

“Overall, Black Xperience 365 not only highlights the significance of Black history and culture but also serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of inclusivity,” he said. 

Although Thomas’ collection of artifacts and objets d’art continues to grow, he has no plans of seeking a permanent location to house the Xperience. 

“I remember when I was in high school, my art club took a field trip to a museum. I told myself that one day I would own a museum,” Thomas said, “[But]  I have decided to keep this a traveling exhibit, as it will allow more people to experience Black history in a personal and impactful way.” 

Charlotteans interested in receiving that personal impact will soon have the chance. On Dec.13, Thomas will host a Black Xperience 365 Christmas Exhibit at the James B. Duke Memorial Library at JCSU. 

In addition to the Black 365 exhibit featuring some 200 pieces, the Christmas program will open with a special one-man play titled “Lessons From Souls of Old” delivered by Thomas himself. 

“Lessons From Souls of Old…weaves together the stories of my family and the profound lessons I’ve learned throughout my life,” he said. “I aim to emotionally connect with the audience and ignite a passion in them to share their own narratives with their children.” 

Again, Thomas credits his grandfather with inspiring him to work toward preserving Black history. 

“My grandfather once told me that the blood in my body is not truly mine,” he said. “It has been passed down through generations, carrying the hope that each new generation will have a better chance at life than the last.” 

To that end, Thomas has also started offering customized, in person Black history courses. They employ storytelling, music, artifacts and visual arts to take a deep dive into Black history such as ancient Egypt, the Transatlantic Slave Trade and fresh takes on familiar figures like Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. 

Courses, which Thomas describes as “magic” are available for churches, schools and community centers, among others, with the option of tailoring each class to specific interests or needs. 

“I take great pride in taking those stories I learned on my grandfather’s porch and building something unique to extend their legacy,” he said. “Together, we can ensure that Black history lives on, rich and relevant for future generations.” 

For more information about Black Xperience 365 exhibit and history courses visit  blackx365.com/ or email [email protected].

Tickets for Black History Xmas at JCSU are on sale at www.ticketleap.events.   

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