Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, November 2025

Kansas City Can’t Host the World and Hide Westport’s Racist Cartel

Kansas City is on the world stage. In less than a year, we will welcome hundreds of thousands as a host city for the 2026 World Cup—a global event grounded in diversity, inclusion, cultural celebration, and unity. Yet today, in the center of our own city, we are confronting allegations of a racially-run cartel operating in Westport—one of Kansas City’s most visible entertainment districts.

A recent federal lawsuit outlines a disturbing pattern: an all-white twelve-member board of the Westport Community Improvement District (CID) allegedly used a secret “Good Neighbor Agreement,” a “No Play List” banning Black artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, and coordinated pressure on landlords to block Black entrepreneurs from operating businesses in Westport. A federal judge allowed the RICO and civil-rights claims to proceed because the alleged conduct wasn’t incidental—it was organized, repeated, and intentional.

This is invidious racial discrimination—an echo of Kansas City’s ugliest history.

A Modern Version of an Old Playbook

The Urban League’s State of Black Kansas City Equality Index has long documented what too many want to ignore: our racial divide did not magically appear. It was engineered. From J.C. Nichols’ restrictive covenants to redlining to the East/West Troost divide, Black people in Kansas City have been systematically pushed out of prime economic corridors.

The Westport allegations show how that same architecture evolves—not with “Whites Only” signs, but with secret agreements, selective enforcement, and culturally coded exclusions designed to regulate who enters, who spends, and who profits. This is old discrimination in new packaging.

The Human Cost

The lawsuit describes a Black entrepreneur who signed a lease, paid a $10,000 deposit, prepared to open—and then was abruptly denied keys after the CID allegedly pressured the landlord. A new white tenant was installed immediately.

This is economic theft.

When a Black business owner is barred from opportunity, an entire community loses: jobs, wealth, mentorship, future investment, and the multiplier effect that strong minority entrepreneurship brings to a city.

Our own data shows that Black entrepreneurship and business ownership in Kansas City trail white ownership by enormous margins. Every time a gate closes, the wealth gap widens.

The World Is Watching

Kansas City is preparing to host the World Cup—a global celebration of inclusion, unity, and multicultural community. FIFA’s values center on respect, fairness, and diversity.

How can we invite the world here while tolerating exclusionary practices that undermine every principle the World Cup stands for?

If these allegations are true, Westport is operating in a way that conflicts not only with civil rights law but also with the international image Kansas City claims to project. You cannot champion global inclusion while enabling racial exclusion in your commercial districts.

The Urban Council’s Stand

The Urban Council (NAACP-Missouri State Conference, SCLC-GKC, Urban League, and Urban Summit) is united in demanding:

1. Full transparency and accountability.
   CID boards and similar entities cannot function as unregulated power centers that police race, culture, and access.

2. Structural reform.
   Kansas City must reexamine liquor-consent processes, district governance authority, and safeguards against discriminatory gatekeeping.

3. A clear commitment—from city leadership—before the World Cup.
   The world must not arrive in Kansas City while pockets of the city operate as racially restricted zones.

The Truth

Kansas City cannot cheer for global unity while practicing local apartheid.

We cannot celebrate diversity on our billboards while suppressing it in our boardrooms.

We cannot claim to be a world-class city while relying on century-old patterns of exclusion.

This is the Unfiltered Truth. And it’s time for a reckoning.

_____

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, October 2025

Democracy is Under Siege: When Power Rewrites the Rules, the People Must Resist

Across the nation, millions poured into the streets for the NO KINGS rallies — a spontaneous eruption of moral outrage and civic defiance against the growing shadow of authoritarianism. These rallies are powerful declarations of radical resistance — the kind of collective courage our democracy demands when power becomes dictatorial and unaccountable. They remind us that freedom is not self-preserving. It must be defended, loudly and relentlessly.

That same spirit of resistance is the heartbeat of this year’s State of Black Kansas City report and the upcoming Urban Summit Annual Conference. On November 1st, the Urban League of Greater Kansas City will release the 2025 State of Black Kansas City, titled Democracy Under Siege: Radical Resistance Required. The title and the theme are born from this moment when the foundations of American democracy are under coordinated attack.

Across the country, democracy is being rewritten. The blueprint is Project 2025 — the architecture of an authoritarian state, written by Trump’s inner circle to consolidate power, silence dissent, and crown a presidency without limits. It is a manifesto for a new American monarchy — a direct assault on the Founders’ “No Kings” warning and the very essence of democracy.

In Missouri, we see its influence in the legislature’s mid-decade redistricting plan, ordered by the Governor at Trump’s urging, to carve up congressional districts and dilute Black political power. We see it in the ongoing campaign to thwart the will of the electorate — to overturn the reproductive rights amendment that voters already passed and to change the rules for future initiative petitions so citizens can no longer shape the laws that govern them when the legislature turns a deaf ear to the will of the people.

The 2025 State of Black Kansas City lays bare the harmful impact of these malicious policies.  Moreover, the 2024 Black/White Equality Index — a centerpiece of the publication — reveals deepening inequities across every measure of well-being. The Social Justice Index stands at a dismal 54%, reflecting persistent racial disparities in policing, sentencing, and victimization. The Economic Index shows persistent income and wealth gaps. 

Among the most alarming findings are the projected impacts of Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” — a sweeping proposal that would slash Medicaid coverage, weaken the Affordable Care Act, and gut programs that millions of working families depend on, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These rollbacks would devastate low-income communities, particularly Black and Brown mothers and children. Experts featured in this year’s report warn that these cuts could trigger maternal health crises, deepen food insecurity, and unravel decades of public-health progress in Missouri and Kansas.

Democracy Under Siege gathers the voices of local and national thought leaders — including Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson, and Kansas City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson — alongside economists, educators, and policy experts who share one conviction: democracy is not self-sustaining. It must be defended, deliberately and daily.

The Urban Summit Annual Conference on November 1, 2025, at Metropolitan Community College–Penn Valley, will mark the official release of the 2025 State of Black Kansas City: Democracy Under Siege — Radical Resistance Required. Conference speakers include Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, Terrance Woodbury, Founder and President of HIT Strategies, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson, Kansas City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson, State Representative Mark Sharp, State Senator Barbara Washington, and Jackson County Legislature Chair DaRon McGee. Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the 2025 State of Black Kansas City. 

_____

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, September 2025

Lines of Oppression: Missouri’s Gerrymander Is a Death Warrant for Democracy

The Missouri Legislature has approved a congressional map that splits Kansas City into three districts—erasing what was once a unified voice for Kansas Citians, especially for Black and progressive voters. It weakens our ability to elect representatives who reflect our communities and our interests . It obliterates decades of struggle for fair representation. The map is awaiting Governor Kehoe’s signature. 

The cruelty of this map is not subtle. It divides Kansas City’s Black community into three congressional districts. 

When you divide a city like this, you silence our voice, weaken our vote, and diminish our ability to ensure fair housing, accessible health care, and schools that serve rather than neglect our children.

What’s Constitutionally Wrong

• Mid-Decade Redraw: Under Missouri’s Constitution, congressional redistricting is supposed to happen once per decade, after the census. Mid-decade mapmaking is unconstitutional.

• Compact and Contiguous: The Voting Rights Act of the United States Constitution requires districts to be compact and contiguous, with logical boundaries that respect communities of interest. The new map does the opposite. The 5th Congressional District is carved up, and its boundaries extend into rural areas with little connection to urban voters.

• Partisan Power Grab: Furthermore, this map is about blatant political oppression. Governor Kehoe and the Missouri Legislature are Trump’s sycophants, implementing his fascist policy by any means necessary.  They have made it clear: they will cheat the system, change the rules, and rig the maps. 

Why This Moment Matters

This map doesn’t just affect future elections. It affects who gets a say in health, housing, criminal justice, and schools. If Black communities in Kansas City are diluted into rural, white-dominated districts, our needs will be ignored. Our votes become whispers.

Moreover, Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri, and as such, is the economic engine that drives the state. To divide it into three rural-dominated congressional districts is foolish and economically reckless. Weakening the political voice of the city that fuels Missouri’s growth is harmful and serves only the narrow interests of those abusing their power at the expense of democracy and the common good.

Even more dangerous: these changes come alongside efforts to restrict the tools we have for redress—initiatives and referendums—so that voters can challenge unjust laws or maps. Missouri lawmakers have passed legislation that, if ratified by a statewide vote, will make it harder for citizens to amend the constitution or hold the legislature accountable.

What We Can Do

• Referendum / Initiative Petition ― People Not Politicians has already begun collecting signatures. If they get enough in six of eight districts, the map will be put to a statewide vote. If the referendum succeeds, the map cannot be used unless voters approve it.

• Court Challenges ― The ACLU, NAACP-Missouri, and others are suing. They’re challenging both the process (special session, mid-decade redraw) and the substance (compactness, contiguity, racial vote dilution). These cases must be fought aggressively.

• Public Pressure & Mobilization ― Communities should speak out—through protests, letters, and media. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents must demand that their elected officials uphold our constitutional rights.

If Governor Kehoe signs this map into law, it will cement lines of oppression, dilute our voting power, and drive a dagger into the heart of democracy.  But a death warrant for democracy does not have to be carried out. We still have weapons of resistance—the vote, the initiative petition, the courts, and the collective power of people who refuse to surrender their rights.

We must rise. We must protest in the streets, fight in the courts, and at the ballot box. Because if we allow this map to stand, Missouri will be governed by oppression. 

Democracy is under siege. Radical resistance is required.

_____

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, August 2025

Kansas City Chases World Stage Glory While Neglecting Its Own: World-class events, third-class treatment for Kansas City’s most vulnerable

Kansas City leaders boast about being a “world-class city.” They chase global spectacles—the NFL Draft, Big 12, tournaments, and World Cup matches—all while neglecting the needy and ignoring the crises hollowing out our neighborhoods.

A city that can’t provide safe streets, reliable public transit, and affordable housing is not world-class.

Misguided Priorities, Exhibit A: Public Transit

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) provides public transportation for Kansas City. For months, Kansas City officials refused to pay KCATA, leaving the agency to finance bus service without pay. The agency had to access a line of credit at a cost of $62,000 a month in interest.

City officials have also siphoned millions from the transit sales tax—money voters intended for buses—and diverted it to streetlights, sidewalks, and even the general fund. 

That’s not world-class governance. It’s mismanagement, and riders—many of them low-income workers and seniors—pay the price.

Exhibit B: Sun Fresh at Linwood & Prospect

The closure of Sun Fresh is another city government-made crisis. Contrary to Mayor Quinton Lucas’ specious claims about the city’s $17 million investment, Community Builders KC (CBKC) has received only $750,000 in subsidies since opening the store. Meanwhile, CBKC is $5 million in the hole, including $2.5 million drained from reserves. 

Because the city failed to address rampant public safety issues and a pungent sewage odor inside the store, CBKC was forced to close Sun Fresh, deepening a food desert in the urban core.

Exhibit C: Crime and Houselessness

While City Hall obsesses over the global spotlight, Kansas City’s violent crime rate ranks among the highest in the country. Families across the Prospect Corridor live under the shadow of gun violence. Thousands of our neighbors are without stable housing and much-needed mental health services.

Mayor Lucas and the Council have not made these issues a priority. Instead of channeling resources into solutions that keep families safe and housed, they continue pouring resources into chasing glamour projects.

The Pattern is Plain

Mayor Lucas and the City Council pass ordinances, cut ribbons, and smile for the photo-op—then bog partners down in contract disputes, attach untenable terms, and slow-walk the money.

KCATA was nearly crippled by interest payments. Community Builders KC was strangled with broken promises. Meanwhile, families across the Prospect Corridor are left with a shuttered grocery store, unreliable buses, unsafe streets, and growing houselessness.

Yet, when it comes to economic development downtown, in the Crossroads, or northland, City Hall never hesitates. Millions of dollars in tax incentives and subsidies are approved with lightning speed to bankroll luxury apartments, hotels, office towers, and entertainment venues.

The message is unmistakable: if you’re a developer west of Troost, City Hall will bend over backwards to make your project happen. But if you’re a Black-led organization fighting food insecurity east of Troost, or a public agency trying to keep buses running for working families, you’re stonewalled and deprived.

That isn’t leadership. It’s structural neglect—the continuation of decades of disinvestment in Black and Brown neighborhoods, while City Hall chases glory on the world stage.

A First-Class City Takes Care of Its Own

Kansas City doesn’t need more global accolades. It needs leaders who will put our people first. A truly first-class city ensures:

• Safe neighborhoods free from violence.

• Full-service grocery stores with fresh, healthy food.

• Reliable, affordable public transportation.

• Real investments in housing, health, and mental health.

• Leaders who keep their promises to the communities east of Troost.

Until Mayor Lucas and the City Council get their priorities right, Kansas City will remain a city of spectacle without substance.

World-class events won’t make Kansas City a world-class city. Not when the bus service is anemic, food deserts persist, the streets are unsafe, and families are unhoused.

Our leaders must stop chasing glory on the world stage and start building a first-class city at home—one where every resident has an equitable opportunity to live with dignity and security.

Anything less is betrayal.

_____

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, July 2025

Jackson County Is Not a Dictatorship: Frank White Must Go

County Executive Frank White is governing Jackson County as if it were a dictatorship, not a democracy. He is not Vladimir Putin, and this is not Russia. On June 17, White vetoed the ordinance that would place his own recall on the ballot—a blatant conflict of interest and a stunning breach of ethical principles and democratic precepts. This move exemplifies his megalomaniacal and self-serving leadership style that has brought dysfunction, distrust, and damage to our county.

A growing coalition of civil rights, civic, community, business, and faith leaders is calling on Frank White to resign immediately. 

Our county is suffering under the weight of his failed leadership, his obstruction of progress, and his absence from the job.

Frank White wants the paycheck without doing the work. He has attended ONLY ONE weekly meeting of the Jackson County Legislature all year. Instead of doing his job, White has ceded the reins to his unelected Chief of Staff, who operates in the shadows as the de facto County Executive. 

Why Frank White Must Go:

• The property assessment debacle and White’s refusal to correct the problem are reason enough for the County Executive to resign. Homeowners and small businesses are being crushed by outrageous property tax reassessments, with some valuations doubling or tripling in a single year. For many, this may mean losing their homes or having to close their businesses. 

• He inexplicably vetoed the entire county budget, obstructing county operations for several months. That insensitive veto jeopardized funding for domestic violence shelters, housing programs, the Prosecutor’s Office, and more. Essential services held hostage by a myopic narcissist.

• $70 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds still sit idle and unallocated as community-based organizations struggle to meet basic needs. That money was meant for recovery and investment in people. It may be returned to the federal government because of Frank White’s autocratic approach to governance. He has refused to work with the Legislature, creating toxic dysfunction at a time when collaboration is critical. 

• Contrary to his whining statements, this is not a political attack. In response to his incompetence, more than 98,000 people have signed a petition to remove him from office. Over 43,000 of those signatures have already been certified. Unprecedented. The people have spoken.

He can either face the inevitable recall election and go down in history as the first County Executive ever removed from office, or he can take a more honorable path—resign now.

This moment is unprecedented. But so is the unity of the people demanding better.

We deserve a leader who shows up. Who listens. Who governs with integrity and vision. That’s not Frank White.

It’s time for him to go.

_____

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, June 2025

A State of Emergency: Stop Crime and Violence at 35th and Prospect

On Monday, June 23, 2025, community leaders and city officials gathered at the corner of 35th and Prospect for a press conference to demand action against crime and violence at that intersection. Cameras rolled. Commitments were made. But if history is prologue, the community should be skeptical. We’ve heard these promises before—and too often, they’ve gone unfulfilled.

The mass shooting at the BP gas station at 35th and Prospect on June 14th left one person dead and three others severely wounded. This was not an isolated incident. It was the latest in a string of violence at a location long known as a hub for loitering, drug activity, and criminal behavior. Residents have sounded alarms for years. So have neighborhood leaders like Pat Clarke and Marquita Brockman Taylor. But the response from city officials has been slow and sporadic.

The contrast with how city officials respond when violence occurs in other areas—especially Brookside, downtown, and the Country Club Plaza—is stark.  In 2023, when a shooting occurred at the Express Stop at 10th and Locust, just blocks from City Hall, Regulated Industries and other city departments responded swiftly. Citations were issued. Code violations were cited. The owner was threatened with closure if conditions didn’t improve. Problem solved. That business is no longer a nuisance. 

But when violence erupts east of Troost, urgency is lacking.

We’ve seen it before. Last September, following numerous violent incidents, open-air drug deals, loitering, and prostitution at the Linwood Shopping Center at 31st and Prospect, the Mayor and members of the City Council held a press conference promising swift action. They pledged increased funding, installation of fencing, better security, and help for Community Builders KC—the nonprofit developer managing the shopping center and the Sun Fresh grocery store.

Nine months later, the broken fence is still down. The Popeyes Chicken establishment, despite numerous code violations and a history of noncompliance, remains open. Community Builders has yet to receive the full funding it was promised.

It should not take months of advocacy, protests, and media attention to get city leaders to act on behalf of neighborhoods that have been underserved for decades. And yet, that is the norm.

That’s why we convened the press conference on June 23—not as a ceremonial gesture, but as a demand for accountability. Led by Oak Park Neighborhood President Pat Clarke, the event brought together Prosecutor Melesa Johnson, Mayor Quinton Lucas, City Manager Mario Vasquez, KCPD Chief Stacey Graves, and Urban Summit Chairman Bishop James Tindall, along with other community stakeholders. We delivered a clear message: businesses that allow criminal activity to flourish on their premises will be held accountable.

We also sent a message to City Hall: stop dragging your feet. Enforce nuisance laws. Prosecute violators. Utilize zoning ordinances to prevent the proliferation of liquor stores and convenience stores in the inner city. And treat East Side communities with the same urgency and respect as other parts of the city.

The fact that it took a fatal shooting and a full-blown press conference to get city officials to show up speaks volumes. But showing up once isn’t enough. We’ve seen these moments before—high-profile press events followed by months of silence and inaction.

This moment must be different.

If Mayor Lucas and City Manager Vasquez want the community’s trust, they must follow through on their commitments. They must lead. And they must make it clear that public safety and walkable neighborhoods aren’t luxuries reserved for affluent communities. They are the basic rights of every Kansas Citian.

We are not asking for special treatment. We are demanding equal protection.

The community is watching. We are no longer waiting patiently for the City to do the right thing. We are calling it out—and calling it to account.

The shooting at 35th & Prospect was a tragedy. But the bigger tragedy would be for City officials to allow business as usual to continue—until the next shooting, the next victim, the next hollow press conference.

We are reclaiming our neighborhoods. And this time, we expect results.

_____

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, May 2025

Mr. City Manager—Don’t Miss Your Moment

Kansas City’s newly appointed City Manager, Mario Vasquez, has stepped into a position that demands more than operational competence—it requires bold, transformative leadership. His job entails more than overseeing basic city services; it’s also about confronting systemic failures with courage and clarity. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Kansas City is experiencing historic economic growth, but that progress has largely bypassed Black communities east of Troost. The eastside continues to suffer from widespread disinvestment, crime, blight, and chronic political and economic neglect. If Mr. Vasquez intends to lead with integrity, here are five urgent priorities that must guide his agenda:

1. Revitalize the Prospect Corridor—Start with Sun Fresh.
Sun Fresh, located at 31st and Prospect, is the only full-service grocery store in a community already burdened by food apartheid. The city owns the store and the shopping center. Yet, Community Builders KC (CBKC), a nonprofit developer, has been forced to cover $1.3 million in annual losses just to keep the store afloat, primarily due to unchecked crime, loitering, and open-air drug activity that the city has failed to address.

Although the $750,000 allocated in 2024 has now been disbursed, this one-time payment is insufficient. Mr. Vasquez must ensure a minimum annual allocation of $2 million to subsidize operations and address crime and blight. Such an investment is not charity.  It’s economic justice. Closing Sun Fresh would be devastating to the community.

2. Make Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion a Mandate—Not a Motto.
Discrimination, wrongful termination, and retaliation lawsuits have cost the city millions. It’s time for clear executive direction. Mr. Vasquez must require department heads to create equitable and harassment-free workplaces and hold them accountable for doing so.

His upcoming appointment of a new Fire Chief is a critical test. After The Kansas City Star’s exposé on racism and sexism within KCFD, the next Chief must be a courageous reformer. Mr. Vasquez’s decision will reveal whether systems change is a priority or just an empty platitude.

3. Fix the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department (CREO).
CREO’s failure to enforce compliance has rendered Kansas City’s MBE/WBE program nearly meaningless. Black contractors are locked out by contract bundling, excessive bonding requirements, and unchecked discrimination. The Fairness in Construction Board has been ignored, and its chair, Ray Malone, recently resigned in protest.

Mr. Vasquez must rebuild CREO from the ground up by implementing all disparity study recommendations, enforcing penalties for noncompliance, and ensuring contractors comply with the city’s ordinances.

4. Drive Equitable Economic Development East of Troost.
While millions in tax incentives flow into downtown, the Crossroads, and the northland, East Side neighborhoods are left behind. The City Manager must utilize his power and influence to establish a dedicated, proactive CCED/TIF District for the Bruce Watkins/71 Highway Corridor and leverage all the city’s tools and resources to spur economic development in that historically underdeveloped area. 

5. Make World Cup 2026 a Win for All.
The World Cup will bring global attention—and millions in spending—to Kansas City. Without a transparent, equity-focused procurement process, Black and Brown vendors and contractors will once again be shut out. Mr. Vasquez must make equitable participation a cornerstone of Kansas City’s World Cup strategy.

Kansas City doesn’t need another bureaucrat. It needs a visionary, transformative City Manager with a spine, a strategy, and a sense of justice. Mr. Vasquez, this is your moment. Don’t miss it.

_____

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, April 2025

The Black Tragedy: Betrayal and Broken Promises of Black Elected Officials

Kansas City’s Black community is not short on representation. Our mayor is Black. The Jackson County Executive is Black. Our U.S. Congressman is Black. The County Sheriff and County Prosecutor are Black. Four members of the City Council are Black (five, including the mayor). Five members of the Jackson County Legislature are Black.

Yet, despite this impressive presence, we continue to suffer from a devastating absence of progress.

The failure is not one of access—it is a failure of courage, conscience, and commitment.

Nowhere is this betrayal more visible than in the tragic sabotage of the Sun Fresh grocery store at the Linwood Shopping Center—the only full-service grocery store in one of Kansas City’s most underserved and historically disinvested Black communities.

The City of KCMO owns the shopping center. Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), a Black-led nonprofit, stepped up to operate the store and has invested more than $1.3 million annually to keep it open. Despite this, Mayor Quinton Lucas and Third District Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley reportedly used their political muscle to delay a $750,000 funding ordinance that would help stabilize the store and surrounding businesses. Their actions—rooted not in sound policy but in personal vendettas against CBKC’s CEO Emmet Pierson—jeopardize the entire Linwood Shopping Center and threaten to plunge the community deeper into food insecurity.

While the city claims to have invested $18 million in the grocery store’s redevelopment, most of that money went to infrastructure upgrades for the entire shopping center, not store operations. Meanwhile, the city still finds $5 million yearly to subsidize maintenance costs for the T-Mobile Center and $14 million yearly for the Power & Light District. The message is clear: grocery access for Black families is not a priority.

But Mayor Lucas and Councilwoman Hazley aren’t alone in their betrayal.

County Executive Frank White has also consistently demonstrated disregard for the people's needs. From botching property tax assessments and vetoing corrective ordinances to stalling budget negotiations and refusing to engage with constituents or lawmakers, White has become a symbol of unaccountable, unchecked power. The community’s frustration has reached a boiling point—calls for his recall are gaining steam.

This is the tragedy of our time: Black elected officials, empowered by the very communities they now neglect, have become complicit in our oppression.

We are witnessing the perils of identity politics. We vote for people who look like us but who, once in power, serve interests far removed from the communities they were elected to uplift. Too many in our community excuse this behavior, giving passes based on race rather than performance. That kind of loyalty is not empowerment—it’s political masochism.

As I reflect on this moment, I’m reminded of the piercing words from the book How Come Every Time I Get Stabbed in the Back, My Fingerprints Are on the Knife? Indeed, we cannot afford to keep wounding ourselves through blind allegiance to leaders who won’t fight for us.

It’s time for a reckoning. We must hold our elected officials—regardless of race—accountable for results. We need leaders who will use their power to bridge the racial equity gap in economic development, infrastructure, housing, education, and food access—leaders who don’t hide behind closed-door alliances or settle personal scores at the community’s expense.

We have the power to change this. But only if we stop equating shared skin color with shared values. Only if we demand more than speeches and slogans. Only if we stop settling for symbolic representation and start demanding transformational leadership.

Kansas City’s Black community deserves better. And we must say, with one voice: Enough is enough.

We will not be complicit in our own oppression.

We will not let betrayal masquerade as leadership.

We will not let broken promises go unchallenged.

And we will not forget.

_____

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, March 2025

Mission Accomplished: Brian Platt Ousted

Brian Platt’s days as City Manager are officially over.

On Thursday, March 27, the Kansas City Council voted unanimously to terminate his contract—confirming what we have long known: Brian Platt was unfit to lead our city.

Let’s be clear: this was not a difficult decision. It was a necessary one.

The Urban Council—comprised of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Urban Summit, and the Missouri NAACP—demanded this outcome weeks ago. Our call to fire Brian Platt was not political. It was principled. It was rooted in facts, evidence, and the voices of workers who were silenced, retaliated against, and pushed out under his administration.

During his tenure, the city paid out over $9 million in settlements and verdicts—nearly all tied to allegations of racism, retaliation, and workplace abuse. These weren’t speculative claims. They were legal findings. Courtroom losses. Taxpayer-funded payouts. And still, Platt’s defenders looked the other way.

No one enabled him more than Mayor Quinton Lucas. Even as evidence mounted, the Mayor stood by Platt—defending him in public and even testifying on his behalf in the whistleblower trial that resulted in a nearly $1 million judgment against the city. That level of complicity is more than disappointing—it is dangerous.

This is what we must not forget: firing Brian Platt was not simply about bad management. It was about moral leadership. When a City Manager surveils employees, retaliates against whistleblowers, and creates a racially hostile work environment, it is not just a “personnel matter.” It is a betrayal of the public trust.

To have kept Platt would have sent a dangerous message—that discrimination is acceptable, that accountability is optional, and that the lived experiences of Black and Brown workers mean nothing. The Council refused to send that message. And for that, they deserve credit.

But this is not the end—it is the beginning. A turning point.

With Brian Platt gone, the hard work begins: restoring integrity at City Hall, rebuilding trust with city employees and the community, and ensuring that no one—no matter their title—can operate above accountability.

We demanded change. We stood firm. And now, the city is one step closer to healing.

Brian Platt is gone. The people prevailed. Now, let’s build forward.

_____

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, February 2025

Rethinking Zero Fare – When Good Intentions Go Wrong

When the Kansas City Area Transit Authority (KCATA) launched its Zero Fare transit policy in March 2020, the Urban League of Greater Kansas City strongly supported it. We believed that eliminating bus fares would remove economic barriers for those dependent on public transit to get to work, school, healthcare, and other essential services. Equitable transportation access is a human right, and we saw Zero Fare as a step toward economic mobility for our most vulnerable residents.

But as the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Nearly five years into the program, the unintended consequences of Zero Fare are too severe to ignore—and it's time for KCATA to reconsider the policy.

What began as a progressive effort to increase access to transportation has become an enabler of lawlessness, danger, and disorder—on our buses, at transit hubs, and in surrounding neighborhoods. The Prospect Corridor, where the Urban League, Urban Summit, and neighborhood leaders like Marquita Brockman-Taylor and Pat Clarke are working to combat crime and revitalize businesses, has become a hotbed of open-air drug use, panhandling, loitering, and violence, much of it fueled by individuals who are not riding the bus for legitimate transportation purposes, but using it as mobile shelter or a means to prey upon others.

The Unforeseen Reality of Zero Fare

KCATA numbers tell a sobering story:

• Transit security calls have skyrocketed. Before Zero Fare, KCATA reported 12-24 service disruptions per month due to passenger issues. That number has now surged to 138 per month.

• Assaults on bus operators have surged. Before Zero Fare, KCATA might see one or two assaults on transit workers yearly. In 2024, there were 32 assaults.

• The cost of security has exploded. KCATA now pays approximately $2 million annually for private security, plus another $500,000 for KCPD officers assigned to transit duty. 

• Law-abiding riders feel unsafe.

The consequences of this policy extend beyond the buses. We are fighting to restore safety and promote economic activity along the corridor, but Zero Fare is undermining those efforts. Our businesses, residents, and community members deserve thriving commercial districts, not transit hubs that have become epicenters of chaos.

The Case for a Balanced Approach

Let’s be clear: We are not advocating for an end to free or reduced-fare transportation for those who truly need it. Programs, like Veterans Ride Free and zero-fare access for students and social service clients, were targeted, structured initiatives that worked well before systemwide Zero Fare.

But a blanket Zero Fare policy—with no guardrails and no investment in the root causes of homelessness and mental health crises—has failed us all.

Kansas City must move toward a balanced, sustainable transit policy that:

• Restores fares while offering discounted or free passes for specific at-risk groups.

• Invests in mental health and homeless services rather than using public transit as a shelter.

• Strengthens enforcement for loitering, drug use, and disorderly conduct around transit hubs.

• Protects transit workers and law-abiding riders from violence and intimidation.

Time for Leadership and Accountability

The question is simple: Do we have the courage to admit when a policy isn't working and make the necessary changes?

Zero Fare was a noble experiment, but good intentions don’t outweigh harmful realities. If the Mayor and KCATA leaders genuinely care about economic mobility, public safety, and transportation equity, they must confront the policy's unintended consequences and take bold action to fix them.

We supported Zero Fare when it launched. But now, we must advocate for a course correction—before more lives are impacted, more businesses suffer, and more communities pay the price.

It’s time to prioritize both equity and safety in our transit system. Let’s get to work.

_____

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, January 2025

Human Rights Violations at Vernon County Jail Demand Immediate Action

Humane treatment is illusive for individuals immersed in the Kansas City, Missouri criminal justice system. Because the City of KCMO does not operate a jail, it has been forced to contract with Vernon County, Missouri, to house people awaiting trial or serving sentences for municipal ordinance violations. That facility is located 95 miles south of Kansas City in deep red Nevada, Missouri – Trump country.

Reports of human rights violations in the Vernon County Jail describe a mosaic of race-based abuse, mistreatment, and degradation.  Black inmates from Kansas City are reportedly subjected to racial targeting, with allegations of guards fostering violence between detainees and withholding medical care. Unsanitary conditions compound the dehumanization.

The gravity of the situation demands immediate attention from the Mayor, City Council, and Municipal Court judges.

Kansas City’s Responsibility to Act

It has been reported that members of the City Council, including Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, are planning to visit the jail to assess the conditions firsthand. Additionally, the Council is exploring alternatives, such as a prefabricated temporary structure.  These efforts signal a willingness to confront the problem, but they must be paired with urgency and accountability.

Kansas City’s lack of a municipal jail has long been a point of contention, with the closure of the Municipal Correctional Institution in 2009 leaving a gaping void. This gap has had dire consequences for public safety and the individuals detained. The stopgap solution of housing detainees in Vernon County has proven disastrous, and continuing this contract in light of the abuses documented is indefensible and immoral. Municipal Court judges should refrain from ordering the detention and incarceration of people in the Vernon County jail until these inhumane conditions have been eradicated.

A Call for Immediate Action

Kansas City officials must demand swift, comprehensive reform and insist on accountability at the Vernon County Jail: 

1. Conduct a Thorough Investigation: Expedite an independent investigation into the allegations of abuse, neglect, and racial targeting.

2. Terminate the Contract: If the investigation confirms these abuses, the contract with Vernon County Jail must be terminated immediately.

3. Seek Local Alternatives: Demand that Chief Stacey Graves and the KCPD Board of Police Commissioners allow the city to utilize the vacant jail cells within KCPD facilities. 

4. Ensure Detainee Rights: Implement safeguards to guarantee that detainees are treated with dignity and receive necessary medical care and legal access.

The city has a moral obligation to ensure the humane treatment of all detainees, particularly those who are already marginalized by racism and economic status. It is time for accountability, transparency, and a commitment to ensuring that no one is subjected to the horrors of the Vernon County Jail.

_____

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, November 2024

The Case for Recalling Jackson County Executive Frank White

Jackson County Executive Frank White’s tenure has been marked by a pattern of unadulterated hubris, gross mismanagement, and misplaced priorities that have repeatedly harmed the people he was elected to serve. The time has come to hold him accountable and chart a new course for Jackson County. Here’s why recalling Frank White is not just necessary—it’s urgently essential.

1. The Real Estate Tax Assessment Debacle

Under White’s leadership, Jackson County residents have endured chaotic, haphazard, and, in many cases, unfair property tax assessments. Assessments soared by an average of 30%, with some homeowners seeing increases of more than 100%. Meanwhile, White’s home was inexplicably assessed at a suspiciously low value compared to neighboring properties. This ineptitude prompted a judge to criticize the administration for its “gross incompetence” and “disregard for the rights of Jackson Countians.”

2. ARPA Funds and Office Space Fiasco

White’s latest actions are nothing short of appalling. Rather than allocating the $70 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward urgent human services like mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and crime prevention, White is prioritizing bricks and mortar. His misguided plan involves spending millions to retrofit a building purchased for $9 million in 2022, consolidating the Assessment and Collections Departments downtown. This decision would force residents in the county's eastern and far eastern sectors to drive longer distances and incur additional costs in time and gas to access essential services. Even more egregious, if White doesn’t compromise with the legislature, the $70 million will be returned to the federal government, a colossal loss for the residents of Jackson County.  This obstinate and self-serving behavior exemplifies White’s disregard for the pressing needs of the broader community and underscores his failure to lead with vision and accountability.

3. Vetoing Gun Control Ordinance

Last week, White vetoed a critical gun control ordinance aimed at addressing the escalating gun violence plaguing Jackson County. His reasoning was not only deeply flawed but also indicative of misplaced priorities. While he claimed concern over the potential cost of litigation to defend the ordinance, he has not hesitated to allocate millions of taxpayer dollars to frivolous office renovations. By vetoing this ordinance, White demonstrated a glaring lack of vision and an unwillingness to prioritize public safety over personal interest. Thankfully, the legislature rose to the occasion, overriding his veto and affirming their commitment to the safety and well-being of Jackson County residents.

4. A Legacy of Dysfunctional Leadership

White’s inability to work collaboratively with the legislature has been a consistent theme throughout his tenure. Constituents, patrons, and legislators have repeatedly expressed frustration with his stubbornness, egotism, and refusal to prioritize the needs of Jackson Countians. Whether it’s his self-righteous approach to governance or his failure to engage meaningfully with his colleagues, White is a liability at a time when collaboration and decisive action are desperately needed.

A Call to Action: Reclaim Leadership for Jackson County

Jackson County cannot afford two more years of Frank White’s fatuous leadership. Now, more than ever, we need leaders who can effectively steward resources, fight for the needs of the people, and work collaboratively with the legislature to address pressing challenges like crime, housing, and economic development.

Frank White has failed time and time again to deliver on these fronts. From the property tax assessment fiasco to his mishandling of ARPA funds, vetoing commonsense gun control legislation, and obstructing critical economic initiatives, his record speaks for itself. His administration has been defined by incompetence, misplaced priorities, poor judgment, and an inability to lead.

It’s time for the people of Jackson County to take action. We must recall Frank White and elect leadership that prioritizes the community.  The stakes are too high to let White’s hubris continue to impede progress. Let’s move forward together and sign the recall petition—for the good of Jackson County.

––––––––

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, October 2024

The City’s Disgraceful Attempt to Sidestep Accountability for the Kansas City Fire Department is Deplorable

I am appalled but not surprised. The recent news that Kansas City is pushing forward with a plan to sidestep real accountability for the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) is nothing short of disgraceful. The decision to strip future KCFD employees of their right to file discrimination lawsuits is a betrayal to those who risk their lives for our city. Instead of addressing decades of racism, sexism, and discrimination, the city is making backroom deals to protect its financial interests.

The bargaining agreement between Local 42, the union representing KCFD employees, and the City of Kansas City absolves the union of its responsibility to protect the civil rights of its members. Historically, Local 42 has failed to provide equitable protection for the rights of minority and women members, allowing the department’s toxic, white male-dominated culture to persist. This latest move to deny future firefighters their right to file discrimination lawsuits and instead force them into mandatory arbitration is nothing short of unconscionable.

What’s even more abhorrent is that the union has shrouded this agreement in the cloak of hefty raises to appease its members. By dangling wage increases in front of current employees, they’ve bargained away the civil rights of future firefighters for a bag of silver. Racial equity and civil rights should never be sold or bargained away, no matter how enticing the financial incentives. This is not just a failure of leadership; it is a gross violation of the principles of justice and fairness that should guide any organization tasked with representing the interests of all its members.

Mayor Quinton Lucas, City Manager Brian Platt, and the City Council have joined forces with Local 42 to protect their own financial interests while denying future firefighters the ability to hold the department accountable for the rampant discrimination that has plagued KCFD for decades. They should be ashamed of themselves!

This arbitration agreement, quietly tucked away in the union’s five-year contract, strips firefighters of their right to seek justice in a court of law. Instead, these claims will be decided behind closed doors by arbitrators paid by the city. Clearly, they are stacking the deck in their favor.

Let’s be clear: KCFD has a long and documented history of racism, sexism, and discrimination. In 2020, The Kansas City Star published an in-depth investigative report that laid bare the department’s racially toxic work environment. The city has been well aware of the deep-rooted problems within the department for years. Yet, instead of working to create a truly equitable and inclusive fire department, city leaders are protecting the very systems that allow discrimination to thrive.

Local 42 has repeatedly failed to stand up for its minority and women members, choosing instead to protect the “good-ole-boy” network that has dominated KCFD for decades. This arbitration agreement is the latest chapter in that shameful legacy.

This is not just an insult to the firefighters who serve our city; it’s a stain on Kansas City itself. Firefighters risk their lives daily for this community, and this is how they are repaid? By stripping them of their right to hold the department accountable for discrimination and abuse? It is beyond shameful.

Mayor Lucas can celebrate wage increases and claim that this contract is “transformational,” but what is transformational about continuing to protect a toxic and discriminatory work environment? What is fair about denying future firefighters the same legal rights and protections every worker deserves?

This is a time for leadership, not backroom deals. The people of Kansas City deserve transparency, accountability, and justice—not a city that prioritizes cost-saving measures over human dignity. Our firefighters, especially those who have faced discrimination and hostility within the department, deserve far better than this.

Enough is enough.

The views and opinions expressed in the Unfiltered Truth column are solely those of the author, Gwen Grant, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City Board of Directors or its staff.

–––––––– 

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, September 2024

The Dangerous Vision of Project 2025: What’s at Stake for Missouri

America is at a crossroads. Project 2025, a 900-page manifesto from the Heritage Foundation, has laid out a dangerous blueprint for reshaping the U.S. federal government. Its aim? To dismantle the very foundations of our democracy and pave the way for an authoritarian system. The consequences of this project, if implemented, would be catastrophic—particularly for marginalized communities, workers, and the institutions that safeguard our rights.

The proponents of Project 2025 envision an America where:

• Workplace discrimination goes unpunished, and workers are denied basic protections like overtime pay.

• Public schools lose federal funding, leaving underfunded schools, especially in urban and marginalized communities, to fend for themselves.

• Medicare becomes a relic of the past, with prescription drug prices soaring, leaving the elderly and vulnerable without support.

This is not a hypothetical scenario—this is the agenda Project 2025 seeks to implement. It is a vision where corporate interests reign supreme, and the rights of everyday Americans are systematically stripped away.

One of the most alarming aspects of Project 2025 is its potential to consolidate executive power, giving the president sweeping authority to reshape government agencies and push through extreme policies without checks and balances. Under the guise of promoting "family values" and "limited government," this initiative seeks to eliminate essential federal protections, allowing states to enforce discriminatory policies without federal oversight.

Project 2025 advocates for dismantling crucial agencies such as the Department of Education, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Labor—institutions that play pivotal roles in ensuring equity, safety, and justice for all Americans. The plan also proposes to bring agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under direct presidential control, paving the way for political opponents to be targeted and legal scrutiny to be diminished for allies. This is nothing short of an authoritarian power grab.

What’s at Stake for Missouri?

The stakes are incredibly high for Missouri. Under Project 2025, many protections that Missourians rely on would be decimated. The Department of Education would be dismantled, leading to a sharp decline in public education quality, particularly in underserved communities east of Troost in Kansas City. Federal support for programs like Head Start would vanish, depriving low-income families of essential early childhood education.

The Department of Labor would be weakened, possibly leading to the repeal of minimum wage laws and a drastic reduction in workplace safety standards. The elimination of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations would increase workplace injuries and fatalities—putting thousands of Missouri workers at risk.

The potential impact on health services is equally devastating. Project 2025 seeks to defund organizations like Planned Parenthood, eliminate programs that support reproductive rights, and roll back healthcare access for marginalized communities. This means the most vulnerable Missourians—those who rely on programs through Medicaid and Medicare—could find themselves without crucial healthcare.

Perhaps most alarming is the project's plan to gut the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Missouri, with its history of environmental degradation and pollution, would be disproportionately impacted. Project 2025 aims to deregulate ecological protections, resulting in increased pollution and public health risks. Clean air, safe drinking water, and protection from toxic pollutants would be jeopardized, leading to dire consequences for rural and urban communities.

Ultimately, Project 2025 is about erasing decades of progress and replacing it with an authoritarian system that limits political freedom, undermines the rule of law, and empowers corporations at the expense of everyday Americans. This is not just a threat to marginalized communities—it is a threat to the very fabric of American democracy.

Missourians, like all Americans, must recognize the magnitude of this moment. The 2024 elections are crucial. The choice is between a future that preserves the core tenets of democracy—equity, justice, and accountability—or a future where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, and the rights of the many are systematically eroded.

We cannot afford to be complacent. The vision set forth by Project 2025 is not the America we deserve. Now is the time to fight for our democracy, protect our communities, and ensure that the rights of all Americans are upheld.

Sources:

National Urban League: Project 2025 and its Vision for America

The Nation: The Plot Against America

––––––––

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, August 2024

The Cost of Dysfunctional Leadership in Jackson County

Dysfunction in Jackson County government under the feckless leadership of County Executive Frank White has reached a breaking point, with dire consequences for the people he was elected to serve. What we are witnessing is not just incompetent governance—it is a complete failure of leadership that jeopardizes our community's future.

Under White’s administration, property owners across Jackson County have seen their assessed values skyrocket, with average increases of 30 percent and some exceeding 100 percent. This crisis has left 55.2 percent of Jackson County residents expressing their dissatisfaction with these draconian tax hikes.

Even more egregious is the inequity embedded in the process. While countless elderly and middle-class homeowners struggle with burdensome assessments, White’s house was assessed at a lower value than those in his neighborhood. This is a clear and troubling case of unequal treatment under the system he oversees.

In a recent development, a Judge dismissed with prejudice the lawsuit filed by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey against Jackson County over the 2023 property tax assessment fiasco. Bailey requested the dismissal following an order from the Missouri State Tax Commission, which determined that continuing the litigation would waste judicial and public resources "without serving justice." The Missouri State Tax Commission issued an order rolling back 75 percent of the assessments. The order mandates that all residential properties whose values increased by more than 15 percent be rolled back to that 15 percent increase level, excluding properties with increases due to new construction.

While this rollback may provide some relief, it does not absolve the gross mismanagement that led to the crisis. Another court previously delivered a scathing indictment of White’s leadership, stating that how the biennial assessments were conducted in 2019 and 2023 demonstrated "a clear disregard for the rights of Jackson Countians" and highlighted "gross incompetence."

Perhaps the most damning evidence of White’s fatuity is the looming return of more than $70 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This grant from the federal government could be a lifeline for our community, providing much-needed resources for mental health support, substance abuse treatment, crime prevention programs, job training, child care, and other services. Instead, White’s mulish obstinance and inability to collaborate and compromise with our duly elected representatives on the Jackson County Legislature means that this money may be returned to the federal government. Meanwhile, Jackson County residents are deprived of funding and continue to suffer with needs that could have been addressed.

This is not just ineptitude — it’s a betrayal of the public trust. White has repeatedly shown that he is unwilling or unable to effectively perform the duties and responsibilities of his office. Jackson County deserves better.

Now, it’s time to mobilize for change in the executive leadership of Jackson County. Residents deserve a government that works for them, not against them. It’s time for Frank White to be moved aside to make way for leadership that is capable, compassionate, and committed to the well-being of all Jackson Countians. Yes, we can!

Finally, I want to thank the electorate for making your voices heard in the recent Democratic primary for Jackson County Prosecutor. Your overwhelming support for Melesa Johnson is a powerful statement that the people of this county will not stand idly by while their rights are trampled and their needs are ignored. You quashed the efforts of a misguided sister to divide our vote and wealthy barristers to buy the office for their haughty minion. Yes, you did!

Disclaimer:  The views expressed in this column are the sole opinion of Gwen Grant and do not reflect the views of the Urban League Board of Directors or staff.

––––––––

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, July 2024

From Breonna Taylor to Sonya Massey: When Will It End?

The brutal murder of Sonya Massey in her Illinois home on July 6th by Sean Grayson is a tragic reminder of the pervasive racial injustice and police brutality that continue to plague our nation. This senseless killing, coming in the wake of Breonna Taylor's and Atatiana Jefferson's deaths at the hands of law enforcement, underscores a relentless pattern of violence against Black Americans. As we approach the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown’s homicide in Ferguson, it is evident that the systemic issues persist, unaddressed.

Breonna Taylor was killed in her own home by police executing a no-knock warrant in Kentucky on March 13, 2020. Atatiana Jefferson was shot through a window in her mother's home while babysitting her nephew in Fort Worth, Texas. Both were innocent Black women whose lives were abruptly and unjustly ended by those sworn to protect them. These cases, like that of Michael Brown, whose killer was never charged, reveal a grim reality for Black Americans: our safety is not guaranteed, even in our own homes.

Sonya Massey's death has reignited calls for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, legislation named after another Black victim of police brutality. George Floyd's murder on May 25, 2020, by Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, sparked global protests and demands for change. Despite Chauvin's conviction, systemic reforms have stalled, leaving Black communities vulnerable to further violence.

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act aims to address these issues by creating a national registry of police misconduct, banning racial profiling, eliminating qualified immunity for officers, and prohibiting chokeholds and no-knock warrants. However, this legislation has languished in Congress due to partisan gridlock, a stark indicator of the political barriers to achieving justice and equality.

The refusal to advance this legislation is not just a failure of politics; it is a failure of morality. As Black Americans continue to suffer and die due to systemic racism and unchecked police power, the inaction of our leaders speaks volumes. It is a dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the principles of justice and equality that this nation claims to uphold. Moreover, it is a testament to why your vote matters.

President Biden and Vice President Harris have called on Congress to pass this critical legislation, stressing that meaningful reform is necessary to honor the lives lost and protect future generations. As we reflect on the deaths of Sonya Massey, Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson, Michael Brown, George Floyd, and countless others, we must demand accountability and systemic change. The time for empty promises and performative politics is over. We need concrete action to dismantle the structures of oppression that continue to endanger Black lives.

In memory of Sonya Massey and all those who have fallen victim to police brutality, we must renew our commitment to justice and equality. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that their deaths are not in vain and that real, lasting change is achieved. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is a crucial step in this journey, and it must be passed without delay. Our democracy depends on it. Our humanity demands it.

Call to Action: Make your voice heard by voting in the upcoming consequential elections. The general election on Tuesday, November 5th, is your chance to vote for leaders who will prioritize justice and equality. Let’s honor the memory of Sonya Massey and all victims of racial violence by demanding change at the ballot box. Together, we can shape a future where justice is truly blind, and equality is more than a promise.

––––––––

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, June 2024

Young Voters: The Power to Shape America’s Future Is in Your Hands – Don’t Sit This One Out

As we approach the 2024 presidential election, a troubling trend has emerged: young voters, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 35, are showing signs of apathy. Despite their potential to shape the future, this group is highly likely to sit out the November election. In contrast, older voters, while not particularly enthused by either Donald Trump or Joe Biden, are expected to pragmatically cast their votes for the candidate they perceive as the lesser of two evils. This generational divide could significantly impact the outcome of the election and, by extension, the direction of our country.

Younger voters are disgruntled with Biden for various reasons, one of which is America's role in the Israeli-Hamas war that is killing thousands of innocent Palestinian women and children. Many are angry that the U.S. continues to supply weapons to Israel, viewing this as a betrayal of humanitarian values. Young voters are also frustrated with the lack of economic progress and feel their lives have not improved under Biden’s administration. This disillusionment is compounded by a general distrust in politicians, who are often seen as making empty promises.

According to H.I.T. Strategies, “Black voters, especially younger Black men, express deep frustration with the lack of economic progress. They are less motivated by attacks on social issues, with the notable exception of abortion, which remains incredibly mobilizing. Many Black cynics and optimists feel their lives have not improved under Biden and are oblivious to any progress that has been made. They do not believe in the promises of politicians, even those they like, and defending democracy is not compelling for voters who have experienced mixed results from democratic processes.”

So why does your vote matter, even when you don't like the choices? Here are a few compelling reasons:

Your Vote is Your Voice: Sitting out the election is tantamount to giving up your voice in shaping the future. By voting, you assert your right to influence decisions that affect your life and community. Voting matters. Voting is power. Failing to exercise your right to vote cedes power to right-wing conservative policymakers who relentlessly push legislation that suppresses the Black vote, whitewashes American history, bans the teaching of African Studies in publicly funded institutions, and strips away women's reproductive rights.

Local Impact: Beyond the presidential race, important local contests and issues will be on the ballot. These decisions directly impact our community’s schools, infrastructure, law and justice systems, and public services. In Missouri, a woman’s right to reproductive healthcare and the right to choose will be on the ballot. The Governor who appoints judges to State and County courts will be on the ballot along with the retention of previously appointed judges. Furthermore, we will elect a new Jackson County Prosecutor (maybe the first Black) at a time when violent crime is rampant, community trust in law enforcement is low, and the root causes of these problems persist.

1. Incremental Change: While candidates may perfectly align with your values, elections are often about choosing the better option for incremental progress. Even small changes can lead to significant improvements over time. Therefore, voting in every election, whether local or national, is of paramount importance.

2. Holding Leaders Accountable: Voting is a way to hold elected officials accountable. If you are dissatisfied with a current officeholder, voting is your opportunity to foster change. However, elected officials should be assessed on their overall body of work rather than one or two hot-button issues.

3. Future Generations: Many decisions made by today’s leaders will affect future generations. Voting is a way to ensure a better life for generations to come. It is more than your right – it is your obligation.

Young voters have the power to effectuate change. While the choices may not be ideal, the stakes are too high to sit this one out. Participating in the electoral process can help steer the country towards a future that reflects your values and priorities. Now is the time to engage, vote, and make your voice heard.

––––––––

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, May 2024

United We Stand, Divided We Fail

As we approach this pivotal election cycle, it is imperative for leaders from Kansas City's neighborhood organizations, political clubs, and civil rights groups to unite in electing a transformational individual to succeed Jean Peters Baker as Jackson County Prosecutor. The stakes are incredibly high in the upcoming August Primary. Three Democrats—Stephanie Burton, John Gromowsky, and Melesa Johnson—are vying for the opportunity to face off against the Republican candidate in the November general election.

This election holds historic potential: we could elect the first African American and first person with roots on the east side of the city to serve as Jackson County Prosecutor. However, the harsh reality is that the presence of two Black women in the Primary race will likely split the Black vote and the progressive vote, handing a victory to Gromowsky, a pro-life, anti-choice conservative.

The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher:

Kansas City is currently ranked among the top five most violent cities in the country. In 2023, two-thirds of homicide victims were Black men. Moreover, Black men are disproportionately incarcerated in Missouri’s prison systems. Children are being shot and killed in our neighborhoods, and oftentimes, the perpetrators go unpunished.    These conditions make it our priority to elect a prosecutor whose lived experiences have prepared her to address these issues.

A Call for Unity:

Both Melesa Johnson and Stephanie Burton are eminently qualified and committed to implementing the initiatives and criminal justice reforms needed to reduce violent crime in Jackson County. Burton, a single mom and former public housing resident, is a skillful and crafty trial lawyer. Johnson, an Ivy League graduate born and raised in the urban core, is the KCMO Director of Public Safety with considerable experience collaborating with various groups fighting violent crime at the grassroots level.

If they both remain in the race, it is likely that neither will win.

Our community needs to rally behind the stronger of these two candidates based on electability metrics. We must consider who has raised the most money with the potential to raise more, secured the most endorsements, has the strongest community presence, and has the most county-wide support. The candidate who falls short on these metrics should withdraw from the race and support the other, thus uniting our efforts to ensure victory.

From my perspective, Melesa Johnson appears to be the stronger candidate as of now. A review of recent campaign filings shows that Stephanie Burton has raised only $33,507.47 compared to Melesa Johnson’s $63,151.00. While both candidates need to raise more funds, Burton, despite having the endorsement of the political club Freedom, Inc., appears to be severely handicapped in this area, raising a paltry $6,645 in the last quarter. Melesa raised $28,642.

Community visibility and county-wide support are essential indicators of candidate viability. Melesa Johnson is highly visible in neighborhood and community meetings that are focused on reducing violent crime. She has broad-based county-wide support that spans from Eastern Jackson County to the central city to the Brookside corridor to South Kansas City.

In contrast, Stephanie Burton is seldom seen at these high-impact community conclaves. However, the Burton campaign may have some undisclosed resources and a viable and compelling plan that provides a pathway to victory. If there is such a plan, she should share it.

A Call to Action:

Now is the time for altruism. The least electable candidate should act in the best interest of Jackson County rather than solely in pursuit of her personal career aspirations and withdraw from the race to support the most electable candidate.  A coalition of stakeholders comprised of civic, neighborhood, political, civil rights, and faith-based leaders and activists should convene a joint meeting with the two candidates to formulate a pathway forward that would result in the weaker candidate altruistically withdrawing from the race and magnanimously supporting the stronger candidate.

By uniting, we can increase the odds of electing a prosecutor who is culturally competent and capable of balancing law enforcement with restorative practices to better address the violent crimes that plague our city. United, we stand a better chance of driving meaningful change for Jackson County and ensuring justice for all. Divided, we fail.

––––––––

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, April 2024

Mayor Lucas and City Council's Complicity in Perpetuating Systemic Racism Part II

In my previous column, I highlighted the troubling complicity of Mayor Lucas and the City Council in perpetuating systemic racism within Kansas City's government. Now, recent developments demand further scrutiny as three black council members—Darryl Curls, Melissa Patterson Hazley, and Ryana Parks Shaw—have betrayed their principles by reversing their previous stance and approving a four-year contract totaling $1.2 million for City Manager Brian Platt. This substantial salary increase is a slap in the face to the community and a shameful display of complicit behavior. Only one council member, Melissa Robinson, remained steadfast in her commitment to civil rights and racial justice by voting against the ordinance.

Some may argue that black individuals cannot be racist because racism is rooted in a power construct, and they do not hold power. However, Ibram X. Kendi, in his book How to Be an Antiracist, challenges this notion by exposing the fallacy of the “powerless defense.” He asserts that individuals of color can indeed perpetuate racist policies and practices, even within their spheres of influence. Kendi writes, “The powerless defense does not consider people at all levels of power, from policymakers like politicians and executives who have the power to institute and eliminate racist and antiracist policies, to policy managers like officers and middle managers empowered to execute or withhold racist and antiracist policies…Every single person actually has the power to protest racist and antiracist policies, to advance them, or, in some small way, to stall them.”

When civil rights organizations and social justice advocates call out racism, they are often met with accusations of playing the "race card." It is troubling and ironic that people are more concerned with being labeled as racist than addressing the racist behaviors and policies that perpetuate inequality. No one wants to be labeled as racist, yet many engage in behaviors and support policies that uphold, undergird, and sustain systemic racism.

The misguided and confused African American councilmembers who lost their way and voted for the contract extension should be ashamed of putting their imprimatur on the perpetuation of Platt’s discriminatory practices.

In response to the council's decision to extend Platt's contract despite his serious deficiencies, the SCLC-GKC, Urban League, and Urban Summit are leading an effort to file a referendum petition. This petition aims to force the council to repeal the ordinance because the city should not enter into a four-year contract with Brian Platt until all civil rights issues have been addressed and citizens have an opportunity to be heard on his ineffectual administration and management of the city. Dismantling institutional racism requires transparency, courage, fortitude, and extraordinary action.

It is time for those who do not want to be labeled as racist to stop engaging in racist behaviors by perpetuating institutional racism. If we acquiesce, then we, too, are complicit in perpetuating systemic and institutional racism.

––––––––

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, March 2024

Mayor Lucas and City Council's Complicity in Perpetuating Systemic Racism

If I were to ask Mayor Lucas and the eight City Council members that voted to enter contract negotiations with City Manager Brian Platt without evaluating his performance if they consider themselves to be racist, I have no doubt that the resounding answer from each of them would be a firm "NO!" In fact, I am certain they would be offended by the question because no one wants to be called a racist.

However, in his book, How To Be An Antiracist, Ibram X Kendi defines a racist as one who supports a racist policy through their actions or inaction or expresses a racist idea. Based on Kendi's definition, Mayor Lucas and the eight white City Council members are complicit in perpetuating systemic racism. Their actions were undeniably racist when they voted to enter negotiations to renew City Manager Brian Platt's contract without first evaluating his performance, which has been less than stellar and has directly contributed to systemic racism.

In May 2023, a coalition of nearly every major civil rights organization in Kansas City, including the NAACP-Missouri, National Black United Front-KC, Southern Christian Leadership Conference-KC, Urban League of Greater Kansas City, and Urban Summit, convened at City Hall to issue a vote of no confidence in City Manager Brian Platt. Chief among our grievances was Platt's failure to address blatant racism within the Kansas City Fire Department, his favoritism toward white candidates over highly qualified Black candidates for key departmental positions, and the alarming frequency of civil rights violations under his watch, resulting in numerous costly lawsuits totaling over $9 million.

Recently, members of the city workers union Local 500 have repeatedly voiced concerns about Platt's failure to address employee complaints of discrimination, harassment, and unhealthy work environments, which have led to millions of dollars in out-of-court settlements at taxpayers’ expense.

These facts are disturbing. Yet, Lucas and his eight colleagues chose to ignore them. These facts are problematic enough that the four African Americans on the City Council voted against entering contract negotiations with Platt. According to a March 13th Kansas City Star Editorial, the mayor said that tells him that Platt “has more one-on-one work to do” with those members. Lucas, who has a track record of ignoring racism, bigotry, and discrimination unless it is politically expedient, is missing the more important point.

Brian Platt has a lot more work to do than “one-on-ones” with the four Blacks on the council. He has more work to do to address the abundance of discrimination lawsuits, harassment incidents, unhealthy work environments, racial inequities in promotions, the plethora of problems within the Kansas City Fire Department, the vote of no confidence from the legacy civil rights organizations, and more.

The truth is clear: systemic racism will persist in City Hall if the mayor and whites on the council continue to turn a blind eye to injustice and fail to hold the city manager accountable. We cannot dismantle systemic racism until those who hold the positional power to make a difference acknowledge the facts and actively work to address the deep-rooted inequalities within our city.

It is time for the mayor and City Council to listen to the voices of the oppressed and take decisive action to combat systemic racism at its core.

––––––––

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, week of February 16–23, 2024

Kansas City's Blood-Stained Valentine: A Call to Arms Against Gun Violence

February 14, 2024, Valentine’s Day, is now etched in the memory of Kansas Citians, not for love but for the bloodshed that stained our Super Bowl Victory Celebration. On that fateful day, Kansas City experienced its first mass shooting, leaving 22 wounded and claiming the life of Lisa Lopez-Galvan. What should have been a day of celebration morphed into one of sorrow, tragedy, and loss. As the nation reels from this and countless other mass shootings, we offer prayers for the victims and their families. We beseech lawmakers to enact sensible gun legislation. We implore the perpetrators of these crimes to cease their senseless violence.

Yet, as the wounds begin to heal and the pain dulls, we are likely to fall back into our business-as-usual routines until the next tragedy strikes or the homicide rate spikes once more.

Enough is enough. We cannot continue down this futile path of pleading with the Missouri legislature for sensible gun laws. Instead, let us invest in evidence-based violence interruption and prevention initiatives. Let us divert funds from reactionary law enforcement strategies toward proactive measures that address the root causes of violence.

But alas, the mayor and city manager have failed us. Their proposed 2024-25 budget allocates a staggering 31% ($317,258,928) of the city’s general operating fund to the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), well above the mandated 25%. Meanwhile, a mere $6 million is earmarked for crime prevention and intervention strategies. This disparity is unconscionable.

The more we pour into law enforcement, the less we receive in return. Despite increasing funding to the KCPD year after year, our homicide rate continues to climb while the department’s violent crime clearance rate fluctuates between 33% and 49%.  In FY 2022-23, $264,880,215 was allocated to KCPD. In FY 2023-24, that number rose to $284,526,863. And yet, our city witnessed a record-breaking 182 homicides in 2023. Obviously, the status quo is not working.

The tragedy at Union Station must serve as a wake-up call. We cannot afford to perpetuate failed policies. We must reject the mayor’s budget proposal and demand a budget that prioritizes evidence-based crime prevention and intervention strategies. Take St. Louis, for example, where such strategies resulted in 42 fewer homicides, a 24% reduction in shootings, and a 50% decrease in juvenile victims in 2023 alone.

St. Louis's success lies in its comprehensive Community Violence Intervention Strategy, encompassing everything from violence mediation to restorative justice. We must emulate this model and address the root causes of violence head-on.

Gun violence in Kansas City is a public health crisis, and it cannot be solved with more police and more jails. We must acknowledge the systemic inequities that perpetuate violence in our communities and commit to real, lasting change. It is time to invest in our neighborhoods, our people, and our future. We have the power to make a difference. Let us rise to the occasion with unwavering resolve and true determination. KC Strong!

––––––––

Published in The Call, Kansas City’s Community Newspaper, week of January 26–February 2, 2024

It is Time to Demand that Disloyal, Duplicitous, Deceptive Democrats be Dishonorably Discharged from the Democratic Party

Democrats Megan Marshall, Jalen Anderson, and Charlie Franklin voted against fellow Democrat Donna Peyton to elect Jeanie Lauer, a Trump-loving MAGA Republican, as Chair of the Jackson County Legislature. It is time for us to stop being hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray, and run amuck by duplicitous, ambitious politicians who place their personal political vendettas above the best interests of our community. When they deceive us, we must hold them to account. Jalen, Megan, and Charlie betrayed the Democratic Party and slapped the Black community in the face when they, for reasons based solely on petty political retribution, failed to see the bigger and more important picture. For this betrayal, they should be discharged from the Democratic party. Had they opted to vote on the right side of history, they would have voted for Donna Peyton to become the first Black woman to Chair the Jackson County Legislature. She is competent and capable of leading the Jackson County Legislature, and she is committed to advancing the principles of good government, economic mobility, equity, and inclusion.

The community is both perplexed and outraged by this betrayal. We are sick and tired of those we elect to represent us playing political games that have everything to do with themselves and nothing to do with acting in the best interests of our community.

There is no justification for this chicanery. If history is prologue, our community has nothing to gain and everything to lose with Lauer at the helm of the predominately Democratic and majority-minority Jackson County Legislature. She voted against efforts to renew and increase funding to community-based health and social services organizations. Moreover, Jeanie Lauer is a conservative MAGA Republican. She is anti-abortion rights and opposes a woman’s right to choose and make decisions with respect to her body.  When serving in the Missouri Legislature, she voted to repeal prevailing wage; she voted to pass a bill that prohibits local governments from requiring employers to provide a minimum wage or benefits exceeding state law requirements. She voted for expanded Voter ID requirements, making it harder for minorities to vote. She voted for concealed carry without a permit, contributing to the proliferation of guns in the hands of young people in our community. And she voted to allow police officers unlimited discretion in the use of deadly force.

I am not surprised by Jalen’s and Charlie’s misguided support of Trumpism. They have a history of aligning themselves with Republicans in the legislature. However, it is incomprehensible that Megan Marshall, a Black female, would choose a conservative Republican with an horrendous anti-Black, anti-working-class, anti-middle-class, and anti-women record to lead the Jackson County Legislature over her Black female colleague and fellow Democrat Donna Peyton.

The next time you see Megan Marshall, Jalen Anderson, or Charlie Franklin on any ballot to hold any office, remember their betrayal. Hold them to account. They do not deserve your vote.