What Love Taught Me During The Fires This Time
Kansas City’s Poet Laureate delivers a prophetic reckoning—an unflinching meditation on survival, sacrifice, and the firestorm of our times.
Arts & Culture
Latest in Arts & Culture
Kansas City’s Hip Hop Infrastructure is Taking Shape, Thanks to a New Generation of Artists
Long overshadowed by bigger markets like ATL, NYC, and Chicago, a new movement led by Phantom Pesos is reshaping Kansas City's Hip Hop future, building local infrastructure and empowering independent musicians to take control of their careers.
Community Resilience and Renewed Spirit: Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council Triumphs Over Turmoil, Restores Joy and Purpose
The story of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council captures a community's journey from adversity to triumph, highlighting the resilience and collective power of its residents. Through empowerment and unity, they navigate challenges, seek accountability, and pave the way for a brighter future together.
A New Era for Black Art in Kansas City: The 18th & Vine Arts Festival Brings National Spotlight to the City’s Emerging Cultural Renaissance
The 18th & Vine Arts Festival is ushering in a new era for Kansas City's historic district. Spearheaded by artistic visionary Marquez "Quez" Beasley, the mega-event aims to create lasting infrastructure for Black artists while celebrating their creativity in a three-day celebration of art, music, fashion, and community.
Missouri’s Longest Standing Black Bookstore Under Threat: The Urgent Need to Preserve Willa’s Books and Vinyl
Under imminent threat of closing, Willa's Books & Vinyl's priceless books, archival materials, and Black history are at risk. In response, members of The Kansas City Defender partnered with Willa Robinson to launch the Preserve Willa's Books Campaign and safeguard this vital Black cultural haven.
The 2024 Black People’s Guide for Juneteenth in Kansas City
Your ultimate guide to Juneteenth 2024 in Kansas City: Discover top events, from delicious cookouts celebrating radical Black resistance, to festivals, educational forums, and more.
The Show MO Act in Missouri and its Film Industry Continue Hollywood’s Legacy of Neglecting Black Filmmakers
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.
Artist-archivist Nasir Anthony Montalvo launches five-location exhibit across Kansas City sharing untold Black queer history
Launching a Black queer archive in KC through new quintuple exhibit, Nasir Anthony Montalvo's {B/qKC} challenges erasure through storytelling.
Kansas City’s Break-out Artist Treanne Releases New Singles After Huge Signing With Young (FKA Twigs, Kamasi Washington, & More)
Music artist Treanne is set to become a distinguished name after the release of her newest single “Please” and signing with Young Recordings.
Vine Street Brewing’s Mega Event Packs Star-Studded Lineup & Uncovers Black Beer History
Join the celebration of Black beer history and innovation at Vine Street Brewing's "One Pint At A Time" mega event, a convening of Black craft beer pioneers.
Kansas City’s Hip Hop Infrastructure is Taking Shape, Thanks to a New Generation of Artists
Long overshadowed by bigger markets like ATL, NYC, and Chicago, a new movement led by Phantom Pesos is reshaping Kansas City's Hip Hop future, building local infrastructure and empowering independent musicians to take control of their careers.
Community Resilience and Renewed Spirit: Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council Triumphs Over Turmoil, Restores Joy and Purpose
The story of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council captures a community's journey from adversity to triumph, highlighting the resilience and collective power of its residents. Through empowerment and unity, they navigate challenges, seek accountability, and pave the way for a brighter future together.
A New Era for Black Art in Kansas City: The 18th & Vine Arts Festival Brings National Spotlight to the City’s Emerging Cultural Renaissance
The 18th & Vine Arts Festival is ushering in a new era for Kansas City's historic district. Spearheaded by artistic visionary Marquez "Quez" Beasley, the mega-event aims to create lasting infrastructure for Black artists while celebrating their creativity in a three-day celebration of art, music, fashion, and community.
Missouri’s Longest Standing Black Bookstore Under Threat: The Urgent Need to Preserve Willa’s Books and Vinyl
Under imminent threat of closing, Willa's Books & Vinyl's priceless books, archival materials, and Black history are at risk. In response, members of The Kansas City Defender partnered with Willa Robinson to launch the Preserve Willa's Books Campaign and safeguard this vital Black cultural haven.
The 2024 Black People’s Guide for Juneteenth in Kansas City
Your ultimate guide to Juneteenth 2024 in Kansas City: Discover top events, from delicious cookouts celebrating radical Black resistance, to festivals, educational forums, and more.
The Show MO Act in Missouri and its Film Industry Continue Hollywood’s Legacy of Neglecting Black Filmmakers
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.
Artist-archivist Nasir Anthony Montalvo launches five-location exhibit across Kansas City sharing untold Black queer history
Launching a Black queer archive in KC through new quintuple exhibit, Nasir Anthony Montalvo's {B/qKC} challenges erasure through storytelling.
Kansas City’s Break-out Artist Treanne Releases New Singles After Huge Signing With Young (FKA Twigs, Kamasi Washington, & More)
Music artist Treanne is set to become a distinguished name after the release of her newest single “Please” and signing with Young Recordings.
Vine Street Brewing’s Mega Event Packs Star-Studded Lineup & Uncovers Black Beer History
Join the celebration of Black beer history and innovation at Vine Street Brewing's "One Pint At A Time" mega event, a convening of Black craft beer pioneers.
