Author

Mili Mansaray

she/her/hers.

Mili Mansaray is a Sierra Leonean-American journalist from Columbia, South Carolina. In 2020, she graduated from New York University with a bachelor’s degree in digital journalism, Africana studies, and Spanish. Since graduating, Mili has freelanced with various publications — covering various topics from interior design to housing insecurity, racial segregation, voter rights, and more. Mili is the recently hired Editor & Director of Radical Media Initiatives for The Kansas City Defender.

Mili is passionate about amplifying the voices of marginalized and underrepresented communities and seeks to create a lasting, real-world impact through colorful and engaging storytelling.

Mili's Latest Articles

Ivanhoe Farmers Market Turns to Community as the U.S. Government Wages War on Black Farmers

By Mili Mansaray, Ryan S. & Lynnie Holl

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Justice

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February 27, 2025

The Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council vows to keep its farmers market alive after the USDA slashed its funding, underscoring the importance of collective action in the face of fascist crackdowns on Black empowerment programs.

The Defender’s Guide to Black History Month

By Mili Mansaray & Lynnie Holl

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Arts & Culture

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February 13, 2025

Members of Decarcerate KC are standing on steps and holding signs

Decarcerate KC to Launch Citywide Campaign Against New Human Caging Facility

By Mili Mansaray

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Abolition

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January 30, 2025

Exclusive Interview with Melissa Ferrer-Civil, Kansas City’s inaugural Poet Laureate

By Mili Mansaray

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Arts & Culture

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February 8, 2024

Fresh off of their inauguration as Kansas City's Poet Laureate, Melissa-Ferrer Civil answers 10 questions from The Defender about art as community-building and survivalhood.