(KAIR)--Atchison will celebrate Black History Month Wednesday with a ribbon cutting and ceremony, marking the newest mural in the city's downtown area.
According to a release from Visit Atchison, the "proud son of Atchison," Oscar "Heavy" Johnson, a 1920s Negro Leagues legend, is the focus of the mural, the latest from Atchison artist Vaughn Schultz. Schultz, the release says, has a "commitment to sharing our community's stories through art," as shown through his previous murals of Atchison's Jesse Stone, a rock and roll pioneer, and the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe.
Schultz's latest mural, the release says, "once again captures the essence of Atchison's rich heritage,"adding that the mural is more than art, as it "symbolizes our collective spirit and the powerful bond between art and community."
The ribbon cutting is planned for 5:30 Wednesday evening, at 807 Main Street, the drive-thru side of Kex Rx. Among the invited guests are Phil Dixon, representing the Kansas City Monarchs, and members of Atchison United and the Atchison Art Association.
Following the ribbon cutting, Dixon, an author and expert of Negro League baseball history, will serve as featured presenter for a discussion entitled "The Kansas City Monarchs and America's National Pastime." According to the release, Dixon's program "offers an in-depth look at the KC Monarchs' significant role in baseball history and its ties to our national pastime."
The program will be held, following the ribbon cutting, at the Atchison Board of Education Office Community Room, located at 626 Commercial Street.
Admission to both the ribbon cutting and presentation is free.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
One person injured in Brown Co rollover crash
Atchison man pleads not guilty to charges in Brown Co case
Two killed in two-vehicle Otoe County crash
Sunday evening kitchen fires battled in Atchison; one injured
Pole struck Friday; young cyclist struck Saturday in Atchison hit and run
St. Joseph Mo man killed in KS crash
U.S. 75 project to begin Monday in Brown Co
Woman arrested after Holton search warrant
Richardson County Board denies grievances
Former Atchison Co Commissioner passes at 97
Mayetta man faces child sex-crimes in Shawnee Co
Officer bitten during Atchison arrest
Project to begin Monday on U.S. 36 in Fairview
New Brown Co Special Education director hired
Annual activities planned for Saturday in Atchison
"Highly anticipated" blackout plates coming to KS
Falls City Council takes action on vacant properties
LATEST STORIES
Atchison man arrested following pursuit
City Commission approves removal of breed-specific dog ban
Robinson placed under boil water advisory Tuesday
Officer bitten during Atchison arrest
Peace Officers to be honored Thursday with KS flag formation
NPPD seeking license extension for Cooper Nuclear Plant
County Commission approves bid for new landfill building