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Curating Black History in Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay History Center recently appointed a curator to focus solely on Black history within the community. Rodney Kite-Powell was chosen for this role, and he’s already made great strides in highlighting East Tampa’s memories from decades ago. East Tampa has a fraught history that’s often overlooked in historical narratives, and Kite-Powell hopes to remedy this by hosting a series of events and exhibits.
Reviving East Tampa’s Memories
One of Kite-Powell’s goals is to bring East Tampa’s history back to life. The neighborhood was once bustling with activity, especially in the early 20th century. It was home to many Black citizens who had migrated to Florida from other parts of the country, and they brought with them a rich history and culture that’s still present in the area today. Kite-Powell wants to bring that history into the spotlight, where it can be appreciated and remembered for generations to come.
The Role of a Black History Curator
As the curator of Black history at the Tampa Bay History Center, Kite-Powell has a lot on his plate. He’s responsible for researching and collecting artifacts related to Black history in the area, as well as overseeing exhibits and hosting events. He also wants to engage with the community and get them involved in the process. By doing so, he hopes to build a bridge between the past and present, and create a space where everyone can appreciate the rich history of Tampa Bay’s Black community.
A Community Effort
Kite-Powell is just one person, but he’s part of a larger movement to honor and celebrate Black history in Tampa Bay. Several organizations are working to shine a light on the overlooked contributions of Black citizens throughout history. By working together, they hope to create a more inclusive and representative historical narrative that accurately reflects the diverse community of Tampa Bay.
