“Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it,” is a quote from 17th Century Irish philosopher Edward Burke, but certainly it’s a quote Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month, must have embraced, and so do the members of the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group.
For this group of scholars and learners, the study of Black history isn’t limited to February. They’re 365 Black.
Well, actually, the club meets from September through May, and takes the summer off, but you can bet the 35 or so members of the club, don’t take that as time off from their love of Black history and culture.
The group is about to kick off their 2018-19 year with a Founder’s Celebration, on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2-5 p.m. at the Black Archives of Mid-America.
By founders, they mean Woodson, the founder of Black History Month and also the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, an organization of which the KC Black History group is an official affiliate.
As other affiliate groups do across the country, the club holds an annual Founder’s Day event (September), Founders Birthday Celebration (December) and a Black History Month event.
Their monthly meetings are always educational, with a speech presenting on a topic designed to educate those in attendance and deepen their understanding of African-American life and history.
“Knowledge and pride in our heritage will preserve our culture for future generations,” is provided on the group’s Facebook page as a purpose for their existence.
The group isn’t about separation, their vision is a diverse community that recognizes the sameness of all humanity, while respecting its cultural differences.
Having a pride in your culture, comes from knowing your culture and history.
“Black History provided substance to my life,” said Larry Lester. “Knowing my ancestral history liberated me. It also added value to my life and gave me a purpose for living.”
Lester, joined the organization after reading an article in the Kansas City Call and finding out a former classmate was a member. Now, he’s an author, historian, Black History presenter and president of the club.
He feels learning their history can be similarly beneficial to others. That’s why he’s working to increase the club’s membership. He’s inviting more Black history scholars, students and anyone with an interest in learning to join the group.
Karen Griffin, one of the group’s “younger” members says it’s awesome to be among seniors who are willing to share and teach me about history and knowledge.”
Newest club member Gwendolyn Blue encourages others to join, and highlights how great it is to learn Black history first hand from individuals who have lived it and from those with great knowledge on the topic.
“So, it’s more than just reading about it,” Blue said. “It’s [about] hearing from people who have perhaps experienced things different from me as Blacks in the United States. It’s about getting a broader perspective.”
Retired social worker Edith Haney-Galvin, one of the club’s founders, is responsible for scheduling the dynamic and informative group of monthly meeting presenters, even though she’s a living/walking history archive. At 73, Hainey-Galvin is one of the oldest members of the KC Group and isn’t shy about sharing her knowledge of Kansas City Black history.
“My Aunt was a manager at the hotel on the corner of 10th and Paseo,” she recalls. “All of the famous musical/jazz artists that came, we got a chance to meet them. Charlie Parker used to come to our house whenever he was in town.”
At 12 years-old she recalls walking picket lines. It’s history like this and much more that’s shared and learned at the group’s meetings.
The Greater KC Club has been around since 2013 and became an affiliate of the national organization in 2015, but a predecessor chapter began in the 1970s before finally dwindling in participation.
The club’s 40-year history, like all Black history, is worth preserving, says Lester.
It’s important for the KC Study Group to stick around another five, ten, even 20 years, to “pass the baton to the next generation to keep the race of acceptance and inclusion going forward to an ever moving finish line,” Lester said.
Interested in becoming a member, or just learning more about the organization? They meet the third Monday, from September through May, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1307 Holmes, KCMO. You can follow the group on Facebook, or download and complete a membership application on the national website: asalh.org/members/join.
The Founder’s Day Program on Sun., Sept. 16, will feature keynote presenter 16th (Missouri) Circuit Court Judge Jaliah Otto. Refreshments will be served from 2-3 p.m.
RSVPs are encouraged. RSVP by email to KCblackhistory@gmail.com.
KC Study Group partners include The Jazz Museum, National Archives, and The World War I Museum and Memorial.
