Author

Madison Lyman

she/her/hers.

Madison is currently a high school senior at Lincoln College Prep and is a student writer and community programs leader for the Kansas City Defender. They are also the student representative on the Kansas City Reparations Committee. They began their work at the Kansas City Defender in 2022. They were a part of the first internship. They are currently working on a Black Student Solidarity Network for The Defender to help create safe spaces for Black youth.

Madison's Latest Articles

The Show MO Act in Missouri and its Film Industry Continue Hollywood’s Legacy of Neglecting Black Filmmakers

By Madison Lyman ● Arts & Culture ● April 19, 2024

AGA Productions, a Black owned Kansas City Film Production Company, has been fighting against the inequities in the Show MO act and Kansas City film community. But even throughout their fight, they have made sure to use film to build Kansas City‘s diverse communities.

In Pursuit of Black Love: A Conversation About Black Love & Its Revolutionary Power

By Madison Lyman ● Opinion ● February 19, 2024

In the warmth of shared stories and reflections, we delve into the essence of Black love—its history as a revolutionary act, its role in community building, and its power to challenge societal norms. This piece invites readers to engage in a dialogue that redefines and celebrates Black love’s transformative influence.

Local Kansas City musicians come together for “You Got Me, Vol. 2”: A legendary tribute to Jill Scott and Erykah Badu

By Madison Lyman & Cypher Troutner ● Arts & Culture ● November 21, 2023

“You Got Me Vol. 2” presented a lineup of primarily Black, Brown, and Queer music artists to celebrate the impact Badu and Scott have made on local Kansas City artists (and beyond).