Opinion Archives – The Kansas City Defender

Urbavore’s “Save The Farm” Campaign was Nothing More Than Performative Activism

By Lynnie Holl ● Agriculture ● March 3, 2025

For nearly two years, Urbavore’s pursued control over land in a historically Black neighborhood but their self-serving and manipulative tactics contribute to a larger conversation about race, power dynamics, and urban agriculture in Kansas City.

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Unhinged Lee’s Summit School Board Member Unleashes Conspiracy-Laden Facebook Post Attacking Black Parents & Journalist

By Ryan S. ● Education ● February 19, 2025

Lee’s Summit School Board Vice President Heather Eslick unleashed a race-fueled, conspiracy-laden attack against Black parents and The Kansas City Defender’s Editor. But this isn’t new—it’s part of a long history of white supremacist fear-mongering and coded dog-whistles. Here’s why we won’t be silent.

Beauty or Battlefield? Navigating the Modern Hair Industry as a Black Woman

By Alexandria Davis ● Beauty ● August 27, 2024

As the Black hair industry evolves, so do the challenges for young Black women seeking quality, care, and respect. From last-minute cancellations to unclear policies, many are left frustrated and questioning the professionalism of their stylists. Through personal stories and industry-wide concerns, many Black women now ask: Is the modern hair experience a battlefield?

How Marcellus Khaliifah Williams’s Story Shines Light on the Injustices within the Legal System

By Melissa Ferrer Civil ● Justice ● August 21, 2024

In response to the August 21 Consent Judgement, Kansas City’s Poet Laureate Melissa Ferrer Civil sheds light on the concept of justice in her op-ed, emphasizing a nurturing approach over punishment. Through Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams’ story, she challenges the flaws in the current legal system and advocates for a more compassionate and dignified treatment of individuals.

Black Education & the Importance of Fetching What Has Been Forgotten

By Dr. Marlee Bunch ● Education ● August 20, 2024

In her op-ed essay, Dr. Marlee Bunch–author of The Magnitude of Us–discusses her teaching framework, which centers on vital principles such as uniting for collective change, centering marginalized histories, using stories in the classroom & much more.

Chester Brewer, “Father” of Mizzou’s Homecoming, is NOT someone we should be celebrating

By Kayla Sydnor ● Education ● April 29, 2024

Mizzou’s homecoming events wouldn’t be possible without Chester Brewer, a former football player and Athletic Director at University of Missouri-Columbia in the early 1900s. However, there is one distinction about him swept under the rug: he is racist.

Racism Scandal Fallout: Summit Christian Academy President’s Response Exemplifies Everything Wrong with the School

By Ryan S. ● Opinion ● April 24, 2024

Amidst the scandal at Summit Christian Academy, the President’s response — minimizing hate speech — casts doubts on his leadership and the school’s commitment to combatting racial violence.

To Earn My Vote, the Royals Need to Sign a Good Jobs Community Benefits Agreement

By Terrence Wise ● Opinion ● March 15, 2024

No corporate handouts: If the Royals want my hard-earned tax dollars, they need to guarantee workers like me living-wage union jobs and truly affordable housing in their new ballpark and entertainment district.

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.

The Erasure and (Sexual) Subjugation of Black Queer Kansas Citians; A Brief Historical Look

By Nasir Montalvo ● LGBTQIA2S+ ● November 7, 2023

An unabridged version of an essay featured in the Urban League of Greater Kansas City’s 2023 State of Black Kansas City.