Regional Climate Action Plan | Teaching Black History

By Steve Kraske,

Danie Alexander, Mackenzie Martin, Reginald David

Published March 4, 2021 at 3:17 AM CST

Four Black girls seated on a bench, each reading a book — Black History Month is every February, but some students and educators are questioning why more isn't being done to incorporate the story of Black people in America throughout the school year.

Details of the proposed Regional Climate Action Plan for the Kansas City area and an examination of why Black history isn't more fully integrated into school curriculum year round.

Segment 1, beginning at 0:47: Transportation, finance and building are some of the elements included in a master plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The Regional Climate Action Plan was presented last month to the board of the Mid-America Regional Council. Involving five counties each in Kansas and Missouri, the proposal reveals an ambitious and multi-faceted plan.

Tom Jacobs, director, Environmental Programs, Mid- America Regional Council
Mike Kelly, mayor of Roeland Park and cofounder of Climate Action KC

Segment 2, beginning at 27:08: Why schools need to integrate Black history into courses throughout the academic year.

Focusing on Black History every February is fine, but to what degree are educators including the role of African Americans in shaping this country the rest of the year?

LaGarrett King, professor and founding director of Carter Center for K-12 Black History Education at the University of Missouri
Lauryn Donovan, senior at Ladue High School in St. Louis, MO

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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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Mackenzie Martin

As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.

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Reginald David

As an assistant producer on Up To Date, my goal is to amplify voices of people who serve as pioneers in their respective fields while shedding light on issues that affect underserved communities. I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. You can reach me at reginalddavid@kcur.org.

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