Up To Date

Kansan Charles Curtis: The First Vice President Of Color

By Steve Kraske,

Published December 17, 2020 at 5:18 PM CST

Ways To Subscribe

Charles Curtis with a Native American in 1929.

Kamala Harris will become the second vice president of color in January following in the footsteps of a Native American nearly 100 years ago.

Charles Curtis became vice president to Herbert Hoover in 1929. A member of the Kaw nation, Curtis held a number of elected offices for twenty years prior to his vice presidency, including as a U.S. Senator from Kansas.

Deb Goodrich, Garvey Foundation historian in residence, Ft. Wallace Museum

Tags

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.

See stories by Steve Kraske

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.

See stories by Danie Alexander

Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

See stories by Chris Young