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Jackson County Updates Andrew Jackson Statues With Context About Slavery And Indian Removal Act

By Steve Kraske,

Published July 8, 2021 at 6:53 PM CDT

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A plaque with a black background and brass-colored lettering acknowledges Andrew Jackson's roles as a slave owner and supporter of forced relocation of Native Americans. — The plaque attached to both statues of Andrew Jackson that greet visitors entering the Jackson County courthouses.

Jackson County legislator notes that the carefully-crafted language "speaks to where we were and where we are."

After voters rejected removing two statues of President Andrew Jackson from their locations in front of county courthouses in Kansas City and Independence, the Jackson County legislature voted to create plaques acknowledging his actions as a slave owner and a supporter of the forced relocation of Native Americans.

The legislator who introduced the plaque proposal offers his thoughts on if they convey the context needed.

Jalen Anderson, 1st district at-large legislator, Jackson County, Missouri

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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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