'Life Of A Klansmen' | Royals Pandemic Baseball

By Steve Kraske,

Danie Alexander, Luke X. Martin

Published August 4, 2020 at 11:33 AM CDT

Three Ku Klux Klan members standing beside an automobile driven by Klan members at a Ku Klux Klan parade through counties in Northern Virginia bordering on the District of Columbia. — Ku Klux Klan members in Northern Virginia in 1922.

One author chronicles his ancestor's militant anti-Black legacy, and how the Kansas City Royals have adapted to pandemic challenges.

Segment 1, beginning at 4:00: "A Family History in White Supremacy"

Edward Ball began writing his latest book about the racist history in his family following the Charleston church massacre in 2015. The story has particular resonance to "the social arrangements that we experience today," he said, which are a direct consequence of generations of violence against African Americans.

Edward Ball, author of "Life of a Klansman: A Family History in White Supremacy"

Segment 2, beginning at 29:35: Updates from the owner on pandemic plans, on-the-field results and a new team stakeholder.

If weeks of negotiations weren't sign enough, Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman has now confirmed that conducting a professional baseball season during a pandemic is a complicated affair. "Our players recognize this is about mutual trust and accountability," he said, "this is about taking care of your teammates and your families."

John Sherman, entrepreneur, owner of the Kansas City Royals and financial supporter of KCUR

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Up To Date Kansas City Missouri (KCMO)Books Racism history race race relations white people violence baseball MLB Kansas City Royals Coronavirus Major League Baseball Royals

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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Luke X. Martin

As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

See stories by Luke X. Martin