The Preservation and Education of the Black American Experience



Charcoals in Diann Kirby's Dining room



As the rest of Diann Kirby's wonderful and diverse collection becomes unveiled for you, my thoughts drift back to an encounter I had with another collector of Black American Art and Memoribilia. (mentioned briefly a few pages back). 

When Diann Kirby saw how awestruck I was with her immense and valuable collection,  she invited me to pay a visit on a friend of hers.  One quick phone call, and we were on our way.  Diann informed me to be prepared for Sarah Ann's collection.

Sarah Ann lived a few blocks away.  I remember thinking, on the way over, "what could possibly be more astounding than what I just witnessed at Diann's home?"




Diann Kirby Collection - Charcoal Portrait - Value = $375

 My question was quickly answered in one brief glance upon entering Sarah Ann's living room.  I was in another beautiful home, with all the regular rooms like a dining room, a kitchen, a bathroom, a den, and lets just say any and all other rooms associated with a functional house, but what I was experiencing once again was a museum.  This was another home with almost every wall and counter covered and filled with beautiful and very valuable Art and Memoribilia of the Black culture in America.  This was another collector whose passion for displaying and preserving her heritage,( from what I could see), was relentless. 

Diann Kirby Collection - Charcoal - Value = $300

As Sarah Ann toured me through her collection, it was at exactly that moment when I decided that a story was about to unfold.  Hidden away in these private homes are fantastic collections of incredible value that have only been enjoyed and appreciated by family members and close friends.

Diann Kirby was quoted, over 20 years ago in a News interview, as saying that her collection was a way to preserve the heritage of her people, as well as to educate future generations.  Diann Kirby has made the decision to reveal her valuable treasures, not just to her family members and close friends, but to all the world now by joining in this elite group of hidden collectors of Black American Art and Memoribilia.



 We are hopeful that Sarah Ann will join in this effort to showcase a compilation of  unique and diverse historical artifacts from each individual collector, for all the world to enjoy and from which to learn. 

Because it is from these collector's passionate endeavors through the years, in the saving and preserving of black american related products, or articles, or art,  that their collections can help us all fully appreciate the impact the African American people have had on our total American experience and culture.