The Bakersfield Museum of Art & the Kern County Library Unite for the Big Read Kick- Off EventBy Sarah Gaskins

By Sarah Gaskins
Staff Writer

To promote and prepare for the upcoming celebrations of Black History Month, the Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMoA) opened their first Harlem Renaissance exhibit in early December. The new exhibition contains pieces of African-American art from the 1920s and 193's and will remain open for viewing until February 25th.
Not only did the BMoA release a new exhibit for the public in an effort to encourage Black History appreciation, but it also teamed up with the Kern County Library to introduce the city of Bakersfield to what is called "The Big Read."
According to the BMoA website, "The Big Read" is a community-wide endeavor to read author Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Hurston was recognized as one of the most popular and powerful writers throughout the Harlem Renaissance era.
"The Big Read" kick-off event officially began Thursday evening on January 15. The public was warmly welcomed into the museum and was also greeted with the smooth sounds of a live jazz band. Before the actual ceremony began, BMoA personnel urged guests to indulge in complimentary refreshments and to admire the different masterpieces that were showcased in the museum.
Later in the evening, visitors began to file into a large room where the initial kick-off of "The Big Read" event was held. The audience ranged from high school students to interviewers, teachers, professors, parents and other residents of Bakersfield. Seats filled up quickly, and many had to resort to standing or sitting against the back wall of the conference room.
Assistant Director of the Bakersfield Museum of Art, David Gordon, amiably greeted the audience as he took the podium. His friendly attitude and charismatic public speaking skills seemed to create a personable atmosphere within the room. Gordon began with special thanks to those who were involved with the initiation of "The Big Read." His list of various names, schools, newspapers and companies proved that this event was put forth by a large committee and that it had full support from the Bakersfield community as a whole.
In his opening speech, Gordon described how "The Big Read" aimed to "encourage community wide reading." He also addressed that many more events will be taking place within the next few months in celebration of "The Big Read," Black History Month and their Harlem Renaissance art exhibit. Gordon urged the audience to participate in these upcoming activities.
In addition, Bakersfield's Mayor, Harvey Hall, also emphasized that this event is important when looking to continue our commitment with literacy. After several introduction speeches were given, Iraina Cheney performed a poem before the audience and left many in awe. In fact, she was so successful in executing her poem that the audience raised for a standing ovation.
Following Iraina's heartfelt poem, Dr. Fitzalbert Marius took the stage and wowed many. Dr. Fitzalbert was born during the year 1922 in Panama. When he turned three-years-old he and his family decided to move to New York. He lived his childhood years during the depression as well as the Harlem Renaissance.
To introduce "The Big Read" event to the people of Bakersfield, the BMoA and Kern County Library asked Fitzalbert to come share his experiences as he grew up during the Harlem Renaissance. Not only did he reveal his personal stories, but he also gave his insight on life in general. He made many chuckle when he offered the advice of "do not try to compare your peaches to someone else's apples."
Fitzalbert's speech was one that left him in a light of admiration. It was clear that this man had an astounding personality and quite a sense of humor. It was obvious that he made a strong connection with the audience.
He concluded his speech with the poem "Gabriel's Silver Trumpet." Following his last and final word, a surge of applause came from his listeners. What he had to say that evening touched the audience to such an extent that a standing ovation almost seemed both inevitable and predictable.
Gordon was very pleased with Thursday night's festivities at the BMoA. "I thought it was incredibly successful," he said. Gordon also commented on how much he appreciated the guest speakers and their help in promoting both "The Big Read" and the new Harlem Renaissance exhibition.
He explained that while it may have seemed odd for the museum to cover a literacy event, their new art display coincided perfectly with Zora Neale Hurston's novel. The partnership between the Bakersfield Museum of Art and the Kern County Library instigated both Black history appreciation and a strong sense of community amongst the residence of Bakersfield.
To find out more about "The Big Read" movement and the BMoA activities that will take place within the next few months, visit the Bakersfield Museum of Art website.