Race and Culture

Alvin Brooks has served as a bridge in Kansas City for decades — as one of the city’s first Black police officers, an educator, a civil rights leader, a founder of Ad Hoc Group Against Crime, and almost a Kansas City mayor. Today he’s still on call 24/7 for whenever anyone needs help. As he asks everyone to mark their calendars for his 100th birthday in 2032, he looks back to his earliest days in Kansas City.

Alvin Brooks is a public figure who has served as a bridge in Kansas City for decades. He was one of the city’s first Black police officers, an educator, a leader in the civil rights movement, a founder of Ad Hoc Group Against Crime and almost a Kansas City mayor. Yet few know about his personal life and the internal struggles he’s faced. KCUR’s Reginald David talks to Brooks about the moments in his life that shaped him and pushed him to fight for a better Kansas City.

A new campaign is pressing Kansas City-area health systems to find cancer care solutions for people who can't get insurance because of their immigration status. "We have the same right to fight for our lives as anyone," says one cancer patient.

University of Kansas professor Nicole Hodges Persley's new book illuminates hip-hop’s historical and contemporary significance to musical theater — even beyond "Hamilton."

The Lawrence City Commission will take a final vote on Aug. 22 to pass the CROWN Act, which stands for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair." The ordinance would protect Black people from race-related hair discrimination in the workplace.

The issue of Prairie Village rezoning has left the quiet Kansas City suburb more divided than ever. Now, a group wants to kick out half of the City Council.

The 2023 Summer of Code is a weeklong initiative dedicated to introducing underserved youths to the world of computer science and programming. It's hosted by the nonprofit WeCode KC, dedicated to bridging the digital divide in the metro.

The Parvin Estates tenant union is the first of its kind in Kansas City's Northland. Residents say that rents are being raised by 35% after years of neglect, including broken air conditioning and infestations of rodents and insects.

Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, one of the highest-ranking schools in Missouri, has a storied history in Kansas City. When a group of parents and alumni noticed that current students were constantly coming up short on resources, they founded the district's first booster club to raise funds for sports programs and after-school clubs.

From their new spot on the south end of the Historic 18th and Vine district, Vine Street Brewing Company’s owners want to create an inclusive, multicultural atmosphere with artwork, community service, music and — of course — beer.

A stone’s throw away from Kansas City’s historic 18th and Vine district sits the 2400 block of Montgall Avenue. The now overlooked neighborhood was once home to some of the city’s most prominent Black figures of the 20th century.

After escaping civil war in their homeland, members of the Kunama ethnic group have found a home in Kansas City, Kansas. After seeing some youths get into trouble, Abraham Atu started a soccer team to steer them the right way.