Making Space at the Center
The Archie L. Buffkins Legacy Archive
National Black Commission
Established in 1977 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Black Commission was created to expand Black participation, representation, and access within the performing arts.
Led by Dr. Archie L. Buffkins, the Commission brought together artists, educators, and cultural leaders from across the country to address equity in the arts through national dialogue, recommendations, programs, and public engagement.
The archival materials preserved through the Kennedy Center offer an important look into the vision, leadership, and lasting impact of this work.
December 13, 1976
Acceptance Letter
In this December 13, 1976 letter, Dr. Archie L. Buffkins notes to Roger Stevens his gratitude for the confidence as he formally accepts the appointment to lead the newly formed National Commission connected to the Kennedy Center.
February 4, 1977
Press Conference Announcement
Issued by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on February 4, 1977, this press conference announcement formally invited the public and media to witness the launch of a groundbreaking initiative focused on expanding Black participation in the arts.
The announcement positioned Dr. Archie L. Buffkins alongside Kennedy Center Chairman Roger L. Stevens in introducing the Commission and its national vision.
February 5, 1977
Letter To Roberta Flack About National Commission
A formal invitation asking artist Roberta Flack to join the newly formed National Commission focused on expanding Black participation at the Kennedy Center.
The letter reveals the Commission’s national ambitions and the intentional effort to bring artists, educators, and cultural leaders into direct conversation about equity, access, and representation in the performing arts.
February 8, 1977
National Commission Established
This February 8, 1977 Kennedy Center press release formally outlines the purpose, activities, and national scope of the newly established National Commission on Blacks.
The document reveals how expansive the vision truly was: identifying Black artistic talent nationwide, increasing participation both onstage and behind the scenes, engaging communities through public forums, and building national partnerships across education, government, and the arts.
It also lists an extraordinary group of commission members and cultural leaders connected to the initiative, including artists, educators, administrators, performers, and national figures such as Quincy Jones, Roberta Flack, Billy Taylor, and Katherine Dunham.