Nationally Renowned Art Collectors and Philanthropists Dr. Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, Celebrate Black History Month with FBI

February 19, 2010 - LOS ANGELES, CA—Dr. Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, nationally renowned Los Angeles-based collectors of one of the largest private collections of African-American art and artifacts will present history and art to employees of the Los Angeles Division in celebration of Black History Month.

The Kinsey Collection, a diverse collection of African-American art, sculpture, literature, historical documents and artifacts, that spans four centuries of politics, art, literature and culture, will engage and inspire people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. The collection reflects the unique experience of America’s black heritage from the 1600s to the present, which “tells about the triumphs of our ancestors under the most difficult circumstances,” states Dr. Kinsey.

The Kinsey Collection includes works of art by Jacob Lawrence and Elizabeth Catlett, as well as historical documents and artifacts of Benjamin Banneker, Phillis Wheatley, and Martin Luther King, Jr. The Kinsey Collection has been exhibited at the California African American Museum, Los Angeles, California; The Freedom Center Underground Railroad, Cincinnati, Ohio; The DuSable Museum of History, Chicago, Illinois; the Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach, Florida; and the most recent 2009 showing at The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science, Tallahassee, Florida, where the exhibition will be on display until March 21, 2010.

Married for more than 40 years, the Kinseys have raised millions of dollars for numerous civic organizations and educational institutions. After the Los Angeles inner-city riots of 1992, Dr. Kinsey was Co-Chairman of ReBuild Los Angeles and was responsible for generating more than $380 million dollars in investments from the private sector for the inner-city. Both graduates of Florida A & M University, the Kinseys have been strong financial supporters of their alma mater, the Rosa Parks Foundation, and the National Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards. Dr. Kinsey has served as an economic advisor to the governments of South Africa, Germany, Israel, the United Kingdom and France.

Steven M. Martinez, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles stated: “We are honored and excited to have the Kinseys join us in our recognition of Black History Month. Their commitment to preserving and sharing important items of African- American art, history and culture is renowned. Their generosity in sharing their knowledge and experience presents a unique opportunity for Los Angeles FBI employees to learn about Black history from true experts and to celebrate the countless contributions of Black Americans to our nation’s rich culture.”

In 2008, the couple created the Bernard and Shirley Kinsey Foundation for the Arts and Education to promote education and understanding of African-American history and culture. For more information regarding the Kinsey Collection, please visit www.thekinseycollection.com.

Black History Week was inspired by American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who was of African descent. The first celebration occurred on February 12, 1926 and in 1976, as part of the United States of America’s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month.