Up To Date

A Legacy Of Female Political Leadership And Suffrage In Kansas

By Steve Kraske,

Published August 11, 2020 at 2:56 PM CDT

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Langston Hughes as a baby, held by his mother Caroline "Carrie" Mercer Langston. — Carrie Mercer Langston was a writer at the center of progressive clubs in Kansas who encouraged women's participation in politics and journalism. She was also the mother of famed Kansas poet Langston Hughes, shown here as a baby in 1902.

A look at Kansas’ pioneering role as a leader in getting women the right to vote with the documentary "Chronicle: Pioneers. Patriots. Trailblazers."

Kansas played a pioneering role in the battle for women's suffrage, granting women the right to vote years before the country followed suit. A new KMBC documentary about that history airs Aug. 18 at 7 p.m., 100 years after the 19th Amendment was ratified.

Haley Harrison, anchor and reporter at KMBC 9 News

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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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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.

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