Beginning February 4, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center will be wrapped in kente cloth when officials unveil its newest exhibition, Wrapped in Pride: Ghanaian Kente and African American Identity.

Kente has its origins in the former Gold Coast of West Africa as festive dress for special occasions—traditionally worn by men as a kind of toga and by women as upper and lower wrappers. Over the past forty years, as kente’s popularity has blossomed, the cloth has been used in hats, ties, bags, shoes, jewelry, and many other accessories worn on both sides of the Atlantic.

Developed by the National Endowment for Humanities, Wrapped in Pride consists of 108 objects and more than 500 examples of the vibrantly colored kente cloth. The exhibition explores the art of making kente, its symbolism in the cultures of Africa, and the expression of identity in the African American culture.

Visitors to Wrapped in Pride will begin the exhibition by exploring kente weaving traditions and seeing examples of historic and contemporary kente including some specifically set out for guests to touch -- and numerous objects incorporating its patterns. The exhibition also highlights how kente was used throughout Africa as garment and ceremonial cloth and how it is incorporated in today’s American fashion designs.

“The exhibit provides an excellent opportunity for the community to learn more about the African culture and its art forms,” said Carmen Davis, Education Director of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. “Wrapped in Pride is a captivating and interactive exhibition that will be certainly enjoyed by visitors of all ages.”

The exhibit will be on display at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center located at 200 E. Martin Luther King Boulevard through March 16. Visitors can tour this exhibition as well as other exhibits at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center Monday through Friday between 10 am and 5 pm on Saturdays from noon to 4 pm. General admission is $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and students, $3 for children ages 6-12. Members and children 5 and under are free. To learn about membership opportunities or to obtain additional information about this exhibit and others, call (423) 266-8658 or visit www.bessiesmithcc.org.