Introduction from Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II
Black history is American history. It is baked into the foundation of our country so thoroughly that it is impossible to escape its influence today. The vast number of accomplishments Black Americans have contributed to our society may be too great to be appreciated for only a month, but it is important that we use the month of February to keep the legacies of those who came before us alive and well...
There is No Kansas City Without Black Kansas City
African American educators, activists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, and many others built a vibrant community that shaped the city and – and by extension, the nation. For the past 11 years, the Local Investment Commission (LINC), Kansas City Public Library, and Black Archives of Mid-America have annually celebrated this underappreciated history in poster sets, booklets, and calendars highlighting the history of Black excellence in the city and region.
Our Publication Today
In 2021, in association with Missouri’s Bicentennial, a commemorative publication was made available that spotlights the contributions of more than 70 Black Kansas Citians. It includes previously published biographies, as well as new honorees and remarks by Black leaders in our community today. The document has been updated in each subsequent year with new biographies.
