George Floyd's Lasting Impact | Body Positivity

By Steve Kraske,

Danie Alexander, Mackenzie Martin, Reginald David

Published April 29, 2021 at 9:09 PM CDT

A crowd protests at J.C. Nichols Fountain on May 30, 2020.

As the anniversary of George Floyd’s death approaches, two newsrooms in Kansas City are joining forces to examine the lasting impact of his murder, and two Kansas Citians who champion body positivity advocate for a more inclusive fashion industry.

Segment 1: beginning at 1:00: Two local newsrooms are collaborating to take a closer look at the continuing impact of George Floyd's murder on Kansas City.

Less than a month from the one-year anniversary of Floyd's death, we check in with reporters from KCUR and KSHB-TV to discuss their new joint effort.

Dia Wall, news anchor and reporter, KSHB-TV
Lisa Rodriguez, news director, KCUR

Segment 2 beginning at 27:13: A number of movements out there are about meeting your body where it’s at, and not letting dominant ideas of a “perfect body” detract you from feeling however you want about yours.

Summer is hot on our heels and some of us are finally ready to get out there for the first time in the better part of a year. Two body positivity advocates explain why they're pushing for a more inclusive fashion industry that would cater to more body types.

Steven Green, Kansas City model and photographer
Alesha Bowman, owner of secondhand boutique UnLESHed+

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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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