Julia Williams
Julia Williams
Editor-in-Chief
Community members, musicians and Missouri 5th Congressional District U.S. House Representative Emanuel Cleaver II gathered in The Atrium of the American Jazz Museum (1616 E. 18th St.) on Thursday, July 31 to celebrate and bid adieu to Executive Director Dina Bennett, Ph.D.
Bennett announced two months ago that she would be stepping down from her role as executive director effective July 31 after four total years with the organization, American Jazz Museum staff shared. Located within the 18th and Vine District — which Rep. Cleaver has encouraged Kansas City to refer to as “The Jazz District” — the American Jazz Museum exhibits the sights and sounds of jazz music through its “Blue Room” theatre, according to its website, while additionally providing education to students and musicians through events and programs.
Over its 28 years in operation, the museum has curated the Kansas City Jazz Academy — a jazz education program for middle and high school-aged students— where participants can acquire and improve jazz performance skills from improvisation, theory, ear training, style and repertoire, among others.
Receiving her P.h.D in Ethnomusicology — the study of the music of different cultures — with a minor in African American and African Diaspora studies from Indiana University Bloomington in Bloomington, Ind., Bennett held various roles before arriving at the American Jazz Museum in March 2021. Throughout her career, she has served as the Associate Director of the Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. and the Director of Education at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, Miss.
Four years ago, Bennett came to the American Jazz Museum, originally serving as the museum’s director of collections and curatorial affairs. She was promoted to deputy director before taking over as the interim executive director in August 2023, following previous Executive Director Rashida Phillips’s departure.
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., on July 31, over 200 guests, including American Jazz Museum members and Kansas City Jazz Academy alumni, enjoyed New American cuisine catered by Urban Restaurant (3420 Troost Ave.), heard speeches from American Jazz Museum staff, Rep. Cleaver, members of the Association of African American Museums (AAAM) and had a front row seat to performances from the Kansas City Jazz Academy, conducted by Music Man Thomas.
American Jazz Museum staff presented Bennett with various gifts throughout the evening, including a handmade photo collage to commemorate her time and contributions to the nonprofit. She was additionally gifted a Blues harmonica, an engraved award, pearls and a bouquet of flowers from museum staff.
“Dr. Bennett has been a wonderful executive director and we’re sorry to see her go,” museum staff shared in an interview, July 31.
Rep. Cleaver also spoke Thursday, who shared he came directly from the airport to participate. Cleaver presented Bennett with a Congressional Record — which was an extension of remarks — to honor and recognize what he has considered distinguished contributions to the American Jazz Museum.
“We’ve been so fortunate to attract the best people to run this place,” Rep. Cleaver said in a speech in reference to the American Jazz Museum. “I hope everyone realizes a catch and benefit it was to have Dina Bennett; she is a distinguished scholar.”
Various other organization leaders attended Thursday’s farewell ceremony, and one who traveled from Philadelphia, Pa., to speak was President and CEO of the Philadelphia African American Museum, Ashley Jordan, Ph.D.
“Dr. Bennett is someone special,” Jordan said in a speech. “Seldom do well-behaved women make history, Dr. Bennett has.”
Tables scattered throughout The Atrium held various jazz paraphernalia created by American Jazz Museum staff, from trumpets and tambourines to saxophones. However, the tables also offered comment cards for guests to leave a memory, words of appreciation or to bid Bennett farewell on her next journey.
“It has been my honor to be the executive director; It has been my honor to be in this community,” Bennett said in a speech, July 31. “I will go on and do other fantastic things, I will always consider my time here one of those.”
While the American Jazz Museum has not yet revealed an interim executive director, museum staff shared that they plan to make an announcement within the next couple of weeks.
For additional information on the American Jazz Museum, the programs it offers or to become a member, visit: https://www.americanjazzmuseum.org/.
Dorri Partain
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