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Two Kansas Citians to know: Calvin Arsenia and Willa Robinson

Calvin Arsenia, a Kansas City-based singer, harpist and composer, has a new book about coming to terms with his evangelical Christian upbringing and being queer. Plus, Willa Robinson went from selling books on the street to operating Kansas City’s largest collection of vintage African American books.

Kansas City-based singer, composer and harpist Calvin Arsenia is adding author to his already impressive resume. Arsenia told KCUR’s Laura Spencer his new book of prose and poetry , "every good boy does fine," grew out of the pandemic and a podcast, and it explores growing up as evangelical Christian and coming to terms with his sexuality.

Twenty-seven years ago, Willa Robinson began selling books as a street vendor on 18th and Vine; now, she has her own space at Willa’s Books and Vinyl on 63rd Street. Robinson recently spoke to KCUR’s Brian Ellison on Up To Date about what she calls Kansas City’s largest collection of vintage African American books.

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Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love and edited by Gabe Rosenberg & Lisa Rodriguez

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