Kansas City, Missouri, January 20, 2026
Black Movie Hall of Fame
The Black Movie Hall of Fame is a cultural initiative located within the historic Boone Theater in Kansas City’s 18th and Vine Jazz District. Established to honor and celebrate the contributions of Black filmmakers, entertainers, and industry pioneers, the Hall of Fame aims to highlight the rich legacy of Black cinema and its impact on cultural history. Initiated with construction beginning in October 2024, the project has faced delays due to renovation challenges inherent to the century-old building and ongoing streetscape construction. Once completed, the Hall of Fame will feature curated exhibits and host prominent events, serving as a vital landmark in recognizing Black achievements in the film industry and enriching the cultural fabric of Kansas City.
News Summary
The opening of the Black Movie Hall of Fame at Boone Theater in Kansas City has been pushed to February 2027 due to unexpected renovation challenges. Structural issues have arisen during the restoration of the century-old building, and funding complications have also delayed the gala originally scheduled for February 2026. Kansas City film critic Shawn Edwards leads the project, which aims to celebrate the contributions of Black filmmakers and entertainers to cinema.
Kansas City – The opening of the Black Movie Hall of Fame inside Kansas City’s Boone Theater has been delayed due to unexpected renovation challenges within the century-old building. The Hall of Fame, which is located in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, was originally set to open to the public in 2026 but has now pushed back its planned formal launch gala to February 2027.
According to Shawn Edwards, the Kansas City film critic leading the creative direction, the delays are primarily due to structural issues inherent to such an aged and previously vacant establishment. Initial construction difficulties included the need to replace sections of steel structuring at the front of the building, complications that were anticipated but still pose a challenge. Access issues arise from concurrent streetscape construction, affecting not only work conditions but also the general accessibility around the Boone Theater.
Construction workers officially broke ground on the project in October 2024, with an initial target completion date set for October 2025. Ancillary delays related to building readiness have caused the postponement of the lavish opening gala, which was originally scheduled for February 28, 2026, to now take place a year later in February 2027. Edwards acknowledged the original timeline as “probably overly ambitious,” reflecting the complexity of the renovation process.
Future plans for the gala aim to attract prominent figures from the film industry, mirroring events like the Celebration of Black Cinema held in Los Angeles. Despite the setbacks, exhibit preparation will continue concurrently, which includes gathering materials and curating displays, although additional time will be required for installation once construction is complete. Funding issues have also contributed to the timeline problems faced by the project.
The Black Movie Hall of Fame is part of a broader cultural initiative within the district, which also includes the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Edwards views the Hall of Fame as a vital addition to the narrative surrounding Kansas City’s Black history, drawing attention to the significant contributions made by Black filmmakers and entertainers.
The first group of honorees connected to the Kansas City area will include notable alumni such as:
- Don Cheadle: acclaimed actor from Kansas City, Missouri
- Hattie McDaniel: first Black Oscar winner, born in Wichita, Kansas
- Janelle Monáe: Grammy-nominated musician and actress from Kansas City, Kansas
- Kevin Willmott: Oscar-winning screenwriter from Junction City, Kansas
- Chadwick Boseman: starred in “42,” connected to the Kansas City Monarchs
- Forest Whitaker: portrayed jazz musician Charlie Parker, born in Kansas City, Kansas
- Harry Belafonte: actor known for his role in the film “Kansas City”
- Oscar Micheaux: first Black director and producer, with ties to Kansas
- Gordon Parks: filmmaker and photographer, born in Fort Scott, Kansas
- Tressie Souders: first known Black female director, born in Frankfort, Kansas
As the construction and preparations evolve, Kansas City residents and Black cinema enthusiasts await the eventual opening of the Black Movie Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone in recognizing and preserving the legacy of Black contributions to the film industry.
FAQ
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What is the reason for the delay in the opening of the Black Movie Hall of Fame?
The delay is due to unexpected renovation challenges encountered while renovating the century-old Boone Theater.
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When is the new date for the formal launch gala?
The gala has been postponed to February 2027.
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What issues contributed to the construction complications?
Initial construction complications included the need to replace some steel structuring at the front of the building and access issues from concurrent streetscape construction.
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When did construction officially break ground?
Construction officially broke ground in October 2024.
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What is the expected public opening date of the Hall of Fame?
The project is expected to open to the public in 2026.
Key Features of the Black Movie Hall of Fame Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Boone Theater, 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District, Kansas City |
| Initial Groundbreaking | October 2024 |
| Expected Completion Date | October 2025 |
| New Gala Date | February 2027 |
| List of Honorees | Don Cheadle, Hattie McDaniel, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Willmott, Chadwick Boseman, Forest Whitaker, Harry Belafonte, Oscar Micheaux, Gordon Parks, Tressie Souders |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Revitalization Project to Transform Boone Theater in Kansas City
Kansas City Welcomes Reel Black Film Festival 2025
Kansas City Home Movies from the 1920s and 1930s Found
Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Black Movie Hall of Fame Delayed
- Kansas City Star: Black Movie Hall of Fame Update
- Travel Noire: Black Movie Hall of Fame in Kansas City
- Fox4KC: Black Movie Hall of Fame Opening Set
- ABC6: Kansas City Black Movie Hall of Fame
- Wikipedia: Black Cinema
- Google Search: Black Movie Hall of Fame
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Black Cinema
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
