About

The African American story of history and culture in our community.

Since 2010, the Local Investment Commission, Kansas City Public Library, and Black Archives of Mid-America have created annual booklets, posters, and calendars celebrating Black history in Kansas City. The more than 70 biographies of Black Kansas Citians featured in the publications, as well as additional essays, lesson plans, and other resources, are found on this site.

The aim of KC Black History is to serve as an education resource for learning about Kansas City’s African American community by highlighting the contributions of those who left an indelible mark and shaped our city and nation.

This ongoing project would not be possible without the help of numerous community partners who have provided images and other content for the Black history publications.

Introductory Articles

Official portrait of Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II: Introduction

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.

Introduction
Justice T. Horn

Justice T. Horn: A Commitment of Duty and Honor

We stand at a pivotal time, not only for our county but also for our state and especially our community. This summer people from across Kansas City came out to protest the predominant systemic racism and white supremacy in our country. We must change the system or we will continue to see the killing and disparaging of Black people nationally and locally, right here in our community.

Introduction
Mayor Quinton Lucas

Mayor Quinton Lucas: Introduction

When I got my first library card in 1993, I did not yet know that one day a Black man would be the president of the United States of America — or that I would grow up to become the mayor of the city I grew up in.
Introduction
Official portrait of Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II: Introduction

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.

Introduction
Justice T. Horn

Justice T. Horn: A Commitment of Duty and Honor

We stand at a pivotal time, not only for our county but also for our state and especially our community. This summer people from across Kansas City came out to protest the predominant systemic racism and white supremacy in our country. We must change the system or we will continue to see the killing and disparaging of Black people nationally and locally, right here in our community.

Introduction
Mayor Quinton Lucas

Mayor Quinton Lucas: Introduction

When I got my first library card in 1993, I did not yet know that one day a Black man would be the president of the United States of America — or that I would grow up to become the mayor of the city I grew up in.
Introduction
Official portrait of Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II: Introduction

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.

Introduction
Justice T. Horn

Justice T. Horn: A Commitment of Duty and Honor

We stand at a pivotal time, not only for our county but also for our state and especially our community. This summer people from across Kansas City came out to protest the predominant systemic racism and white supremacy in our country. We must change the system or we will continue to see the killing and disparaging of Black people nationally and locally, right here in our community.

Introduction
Mayor Quinton Lucas

Mayor Quinton Lucas: Introduction

When I got my first library card in 1993, I did not yet know that one day a Black man would be the president of the United States of America — or that I would grow up to become the mayor of the city I grew up in.
Introduction