Panola College to Celebrate Black History Month

Panola College cordially invites the community to a celebration of Black History Month. On February 5, the College will host an exhibit of African art on loan from the Black Heritage Gallery in Houston, Texas. Ms. Robbie Lee, the Gallery curator, will also present a lecture titled, “The African American Renaissance in Art.”

The Black Heritage Gallery houses original works by Ava Cosey, Elizabeth Catlett, Romare Bearden, Brenda Joysmith, Varnette Honeywood, Ellis Wilson, Lionel Lofton and many other noted African and African American artists. Art collectors come from around the world to visit this gallery dedicated to the perpetuation of the artistic expression of the African and African American experience. 

Ms. Robbie Lee is a native of Houston, Texas. She holds a Business Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey and is a licensed art appraiser, certified by the American Society of Appraisers.

It was while attending Fairleigh that Lee became enchanted by and committed to the perpetuation of the works of African American artists. Realizing that Anglo American art galleries tended to display the work of only a few Black artists, she opened the Black Heritage Gallery on January 10, 1977. Lee now tours, exhibits, and lectures on the works of these artists as a means of educating the African American community and society in general. Lee's goal is to get African and African American artists accepted and exhibited as a part of the American cultural norm.

The art exhibit will be held on February 5, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the Ballroom. At 1:00 pm Ms. Robbie Lee will present, “The African American Renaissance in Art.” This will be followed by light refreshments served from 2:00 to 2:30 pm in the Ballroom. These events are free and open to the public. For additional information call 903-693-1123 or 2048.