Kansas City Archives – Page 3 of 10

A License to Kill: Missouri Governor Expected to Pardon First Cop in Kansas City History Who Was Convicted for Murdering A Black Man

By KC Defender Staff ● Justice ● June 14, 2023

White supremacy flaunts its power as Missouri Governor is set to pardon Detective Eric DeValkenaere, the first cop in KC history convicted for murdering a Black person.

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KCPD Officer A “Serial Killer”: Murdered Donnie Sanders In 2020, Body Slammed A 9 Month Pregnant Black Woman, And Killed 2 More People Last Friday… And Still Employed By KCPD

By KC Defender Staff ● Justice ● June 13, 2023

Exposing the horrifying truth of unchecked violence by KCPD Officer Blayne Newton. From the murder of Donnie Sanders to attacking a 9-month pregnant woman, Newton’s reign of terror continues unchecked. Now implicated in the brutal killing of two more individuals, the community demands justice.

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

By KC Defender Staff ● Justice ● 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.

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

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

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.

North Lawn Tenants Secure Historic Victory After Being Threatened To Pay Double Rent or Face Eviction

By Ryan S. ● Housing ● May 1, 2023

After months of organizing, immigrant and refugee families in the Historic Northeast neighborhood of Kansas City have won a historic victory against mass eviction.

55th anniversary of the “Kansas City Race Riots”: An interview with Dr. Anthony LaBat on decolonizing language

By Jade Underwood & Nasir Montalvo ● Kansas City ● April 18, 2023

April memorializes the 55th Anniversary of what is (commonly referred to as) the Kansas City Race Riots that followed the death of Martin Luther King Jr in 1968. The University of Missouri Kansas City’s LaBudde Special Collections has reworked its 1968 Race Riot Collection information to decolonize its language, but is now looking to possibly rename its collection with the community’s help.

“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

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.

Ticket sales open for Black/queer Kansas City {B/qKC}: Exhibit Grand Opening (Volume_1)

By Nasir Montalvo ● LGBTQIA2+ ● April 14, 2023

View our City’s history of Black LGBTQIA2+ community through this temporary exhibit display––hosted @ BlaqOut on Main. Curated by @1800NASI.

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

By KC Defender Staff ● Politics ● 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.