KC Defender Staff, Author at Kansas City Defender

The Power of Direct Action: Why Student Protests & Walkouts Are Necessary

By KC Defender Staff ● Justice ● May 18, 2023 May 18, 2023

The critical importance of direct action in challenging systemic issues, like racism in schools, and the tactics that those in power use to silence dissent. Why we must choose protest over pacification.

“Event of the Summer”: ‘One Night Only’ Festival Marks a New Era in Kansas City Music Scene

By KC Defender Staff ● Arts & Culture ● May 17, 2023 May 17, 2023

Don’t miss the One Night Only Festival, Kansas City’s music event of the summer. Top local artists, sell-out venues, and an unforgettable night.

KC Civil Rights Leaders Issue Scathing Statement on “Racist, Sexist” Policies of City Manager Brian Platt, Say Mayor Lucas is Also “Complicit”

By KC Defender Staff ● Politics ● May 4, 2023 May 4, 2023

A coalition of civil rights organizations in Kansas City issues a scathing statement and vote of no confidence in City Manager Brian Platt and Mayor Quinton Lucas, citing racist, sexist and discriminatory policies toward Black women and workers, and demanding immediate action from the City Council.

“Cut the Check”: In Groundbreaking Move, KC Mayor Quinton Lucas Appoints 13 Members to Historic Reparations Commission, Includes KC Defender Editor & KC Defender High School Staff Writer

By KC Defender Staff ● Justice ● May 2, 2023 May 4, 2023

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has appointed 13 members to a historic commission that will study the process of reparations for the centuries of exploitation and dehumanization inflicted on Kansas City’s Black community.

“This Is A Hate Crime”: Kansas City Black Family Demanding Justice After A White Man Shoots Black Boy, Ralph Yarl, In The Head Twice For Ringing Doorbell Of The Wrong Home, White Man Released By Police Hours Later

By KC Defender Staff ● Justice ● April 16, 2023 April 16, 2023

Community members are demanding justice after a white man in Kansas City shot a black boy, Ralph Yarl, twice for ringing the doorbell of the wrong home.

The Kansas City Defender Voter Guide: Make an Informed Decision in the 2023 Municipal Election

By KC Defender Staff ● Politics ● April 3, 2023 April 3, 2023

Our Voter Guide is a comprehensive resource for the community, offering information on the candidates running for office, the issues that matter to Black voters, and the impact of certain endorsements.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Morgan Cooper Talks Kansas City’s Cultural Renaissance, the Role of Art in Social Issues & Black Creative Vision

By KC Defender Staff ● Arts & Culture ● February 27, 2023 February 27, 2023

The Defender sits down with Morgan Cooper; award-winning, visionary Black Director of the hit series BEL-AIR. Cooper highlights Kansas City’s emerging cultural renaissance, the role of art in social issues & Black creative visions.

The Kansas City Defender Launches Free Clothing Program

By KC Defender Staff ● Justice ● January 31, 2023 January 31, 2023

The Free Clothing Program, is a year-round initiative whereby people unable to buy decent clothing or lacking funds to buy good quality, stylish clothing can outfit themselves at no expense.

“YOU BROUGHT A HIGH COP TO MY HOUSE?”: Black Family to Press Charges Against Kansas Cop Who They Say Appeared “High Out His Mind”

By KC Defender Staff ● Justice ● January 22, 2023 January 22, 2023

A Black Kansas man who “feared for his life,” is now pressing charges against a Kansas on-duty cop who appeared “high out his mind” in a shocking video.

Officially Here: Kansas City’s Ultimate Guide to Black Owned Restaurants (Full Listing)

By KC Defender Staff ● Arts & Culture ● January 19, 2023 January 19, 2023

Kansas City is home to some of the best Black-owned restaurants in the country. From soul food to Caribbean cuisine, jazz clubs, and brunch spots, you’ll never need to go anywhere else for a delicious meal. Here’s your ultimate guide to all the Black-owned restaurants in Kansas City.

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