Troy-Hayner Cultural Center features Rhythm of Change exhibit

The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center will join forces with I.D.E.A. Troy and community partners for a special exhibit, Rhythm of Change: The Transformative Power of Black Art, 1619–Present. The exhibit maps the visual flow of cultural change in America from 1619 to the present day and explores how Black artists, religious leaders, and activists worked within their spheres of influence to transform Ohio and our nation. Drawing on deeply rooted African traditions, interpreting contemporary challenges, and painting a way forward into a better future, Rhythm of Change explores some of the voices that laid down the beat of change. We will explore the epic of music, art, literature, dance, the pulpit, the stage, the screen, and so much more.

An exhibit opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 3:00–5:00 p.m., featuring refreshments, music, and an opportunity to experience the exhibit together as a community.

Rhythm of Change will be on display at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center from June 12 through August 9, 2026, and will be available free of charge during regular open hours.

The graphic panels in this exhibit were researched and designed by the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center (NAAMCC) and a class of graduate students from Wright State University's Public History concentration. NAAMCC is located in Wilberforce, Ohio and is part of the Ohio History Connection's site system. Its mission is to help preserve and present Black history with regularly changing history, art, and cultural exhibits. The NAAMCC opened to the public in April 1988 and is the permanent home of one of the nation’s largest collections of African American material culture, with over 9,000 artifacts and artworks, 350 manuscript collections, and thousands of photographs. Items include Alex Haley’s typewriter and his final draft of Roots, Brigadier General Charles Young's uniform, Gregory Hines’s tap shoes, an extensive art collection representing the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s, and a vast number of Black dolls, including the recently donated Lillian Bartok Collection. Learn more about the NAAMCC at the Ohio History Connection website.

This exhibit is primarily sponsored through a grant provided by America 250-Ohio with support from the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center and community partners.

As part of Troy’s Juneteenth celebrations, the community is also invited to gather for additional events throughout the month. A free kickoff concert featuring the Deron Bell Band will take place at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center on Friday, June 19, with light hors d’oeuvres and hibiscus punch beginning at 6:30 p.m. and music at 7:00 p.m. Celebrations continue on Saturday, June 20 with the Juneteenth Community Celebration at McKaig & Race Park from 3:00–6:00 p.m., following a community walk from First Place Christian Center.

The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is proudly supported by the citizens of the Troy City School District through a local tax levy and generous gifts to the Friends of Hayner.

Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is located at 301 West Main Street, Troy, OH 45373. Hours of operation are Monday 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Tuesday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. The Hayner Center is closed on holidays. For more information, visit our website at troyhayner.org or call (937) 339-0457.