Black Archives of Mid-America

The new autobiography "Show Me Justice: The Happy Life Journey of Alvin Lee Sykes" documents the extraordinary story of the self-taught legal scholar from Kansas City. Sykes fought tirelessly to re-open several unsolved civil rights cold cases, including the murder of Emmett Till.

Throughout January and February, galleries and museums across Kansas City are showcasing an array of work from artists local, regional and national. In this season of fresh starts, what better way than visual arts to explore a fresh side of the metro?

Events Saturday and Sunday in Kansas City celebrate the emancipation of enslaved Africans in America and provide opportunities for families to research their history.

The first ever Juneteenth Film Festival in Kansas City is this year's launching pad for African American festivities. It's part of the largest and longest running celebration of the emancipation of enslaved people in the region.

Pfc. Willy F. James Jr. was among seven African American troops unjustly denied the country’s highest military award for valor during World War II. Veterans and service members at James' memorial shared their thoughts on his legacy.

The Black Youth Coalition Network wants to be a leading voice among Kansas City's youth. Their professional development programs and community activism is catching the eyes of Black leaders.

The project, which goes beyond well-known historical mainstays like baseball, jazz and barbeque, highlights local African Americans who influenced Kansas City, and national, history.

Wikipedia, which seemingly has an entry for everything, lacks information on historic Black Kansas Citians. The Kansas City Library is mobilizing a group of volunteers to fix that.

Late in his career, renowned dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey forged strong connections in Kansas City, and helped found a local nonprofit. A new documentary tells his story.

A soil collection ceremony on Saturday will honor the life of Levi Harrington, who was lynched in Kansas City 139 years ago. Will the event help foster reconciliation and a better understanding of past and present racial violence in Missouri?

Stories of the most famous African Americans from Kansas City are well told, but the work of many more community members often goes unrecognized.

A lack of progress addressing health care disparities means history is being repeated with the same populations that suffered a high death rate during the 1918 flu experiencing another round of tragic losses.