History

Before being assigned to combat duty, members of the 369th Infantry Regiment served largely as laborers after arriving in France in 1918.

U.S. Army Base Renamed to Honor Black World War I Hero

By Brian Burnes | February 22, 2024

A Louisiana U.S. Army base once named for a Confederate general today bears the name of Henry Johnson, a Black World War I U.S. Army hero with Kansas City ties.

Members of the Black Archives of Mid-America's Youth Coalition Network attended the 50th anniversary gala. The group is about four years old and works to develop their skills for research, such as a recent project on reparations.

Black Archives of Mid-America Marks 50th Anniversary

By Mary Sanchez | February 20, 2024

The Black Archives of Mid-America marked its 50th anniversary by emphasizing it role in preserving Black history in Kansas City.

A view of work on a streetcar extension looking south from about 43rd and Main streets.

Midtown Kansas City Reconnects with Streetcar Roots

By Nicole Dolan, Julie Freijat, Cody Boston | February 15, 2024

The KC Streetcar extension promises to change Midtown Kansas City. While advocates cheer new housing and businesses, others fret about being priced out.

How KC’s Walt Disney Learned the Hard Way About Copyright

By Haines Eason | February 13, 2024

Walt Disney creation Steamboat Willie has entered the public domain after 95 years of copyright protection. Now, the race is on to cash in on Willie.

Cassandra Wainright teaching at the 2016 Concerned Clergy Coalition of Kansas City.

Passing the Baton | Pastor Cassandra Wainright’s Life of Service

By Sandy Woodson | February 9, 2024

Pastor Cassandra Wainright became the first female president of the Concerned Clergy Coalition of Kansas City. Watch her story on “Passing the Baton.”

Members of the Whitney Singers performing gospel music in Kansas City.

Kansas City and the Roots of Black Gospel Music

By Paul Wenske | February 8, 2024

Kansas City has a rich and influential legacy when it comes to the development of Black gospel music. This is its largely untold story.

Senior U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan Jr.

Passing the Baton | Groundbreaking African American Lawyer

By Sandy Woodson | February 2, 2024

Senior U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan Jr. reflects on a long, groundbreaking legal career as part of our “Passing the Baton” series.

Kansas City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson speaks in a church.

How to Convince White KC it’s Time for Black Reparations

By Bill Tammeus | January 28, 2024

Improving the lot of people of color in Kansas City also could improve the lot of all residents here — including white people, many of whom oppose reparations.

Martin Luther Jr. stands at a pulpit, with a light shining behind him. Jr. was a speaker at the Mammoth Rally on May 3 in the late 1950s.

For Black leaders in Kansas City, MLK Day is a Hectic — and Empowering — Day of Service

By Lawrence Brooks IV, KCUR 89.3 | January 15, 2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day for leaders in Black communities to connect to something bigger and encourage better support for African Americans.