The harris county cultural arts council (hccac) will engage the east harris county community in exploring the rituals, customs, traditions, and history of african american funerals

The Harris County Cultural Arts Council (HCCAC) will receive $112,000 under a two-year Project Grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program. HCCAC will engage the East Harris County community in exploring African American funeral rituals, customs, traditions and history. They will collaborate with writers and artists to develop a visual exhibit and stage play providing opportunities for the public to learn the history associated with funeral rituals and expand understanding of an important element of African American culture. Community engagement interviews, content research and related digital products will be developed in year one with public presentations in year two. Panel discussions with funeral industry professionals, clergy and the community will also be held as part of the program. The community will benefit from increased public dialogue and engagement and a broadened understanding of African American history and culture.

Hccac will collaborate with writers and artists to develop a visual exhibit and stage play that will provide opportunities for the public to learn the history associated with funeral rituals and expand understanding about an important element of african american culture. Community engagement interviews, content research and related digital products will be developed in year one with public presentations taking place in year two. Panel discussions will be held with professionals in the funeral industry, clergy, and the general community as part of the overall program. The community will benefit from increased public dialogue and engagement and a broadened understanding of african american history and culture.