In this book, we celebrate those African Americans on whose shoulders we stand.
Articles
Cathay Williams was the first African American woman to enlist in the U.S. Army — in a time when women were
prohibited from serving.
Hazel Browne Williams, the first full-time African American professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, exemplified academic excellence throughout her career as an educator.
Among the great jazz musicians, Mary Lou Williams was a piano prodigy and became a professional performer while in her teens.
More than a century after the Kansas City Fire Department was established, Edward Wade Wilson became its first African American chief, capping a trailblazing career of nearly 46 years.
An inspiring teacher and passionate communicator, Josephine Silone Yates devoted
her life to fighting racial prejudice.
Hiram Young was born about 1812 in Tennessee. In 1847, Young obtained freedom
and with his wife moved to Independence, Missouri. Taking advantage of his location