Volunteer helps with education and awareness at Kansas African American Museum

Tynice Owens is intrigued by the idea of education, particularly when it comes to helping people learn about things that aren’t traditionally taught in Kansas history textbooks.

She has volunteered for almost five years at the Kansas African American Museum, helping with special events and by writing skits and plays.

“I started volunteering, but they provide so much education, that I kept going back,” said Owens, 48.

“When I started I was so naive, but they talk about what is going on in the community, politics, education. I was just dumbfounded. They are so into getting youth involved and showing off those who are in to education, how they can move up and do whatever they set their minds to.”

The museum has a public history project that provides a “Museum on Wheels” experience that uses artifacts and highlights local and state history that can be used in schools, said Jacquette Thompson, volunteer and visitor services coordinator at the museum. For instance, it highlights the story of Charlie “Bird” Parker, the jazz legend whose first recordings were done in Wichita.

Thompson said Owens, a native Wichitan, is always ready to contribute.

“She is always willing to jump in and help with all the projects we have going on,” Thompson said of Owens. “She is willing to give of her time and talents and is always concerned with the community participating with what we have going on.”

This story was originally published December 7, 2014 at 11:29 AM with the headline "Volunteer helps with education and awareness at Kansas African American Museum."