Kansas Black Legislative Day returns to the state capitol on Monday, Feb. 9, offering African Americans and allies from across the state an opportunity to learn about key legislative issues, network, and take part in civic engagement at the highest level of Kansas government.
The annual event has grown steadily over the years, now drawing nearly 200 Black leaders and interested citizens who come together to better understand the legislative session, discuss issues affecting Black Kansans, and engage directly with the policymaking process.
Kansas Black Legislative Day is widely viewed as a highlight of the legislative civic calendar, bringing community voices into the heart of state government.
According to Stacey Knoell, executive director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, the continued growth of the event has shaped several changes this year aimed at improving the overall experience for attendees.
This year, the formal presentations will be held in the newly remodeled Docking State Office Building, located adjacent to the capitol.
Previously, sessions were held in the capitol rotunda, but the building’s acoustics — combined with heavy foot traffic and the open design — made it challenging to deliver presentations in a focused, distraction-free setting. The Docking Building provides a more suitable space for presentations, discussion and shared meals, allowing attendees to fully engage with the program.
In addition to the main speaking sessions, participants can take part in small-group visits to the House and Senate galleries to observe floor proceedings, as well as attend selected committee meetings throughout the day. These experiences are designed to give attendees a firsthand look at how legislation moves through the Kansas Statehouse and how advocacy can influence outcomes.
The program will feature a group of well-informed presenters who are fully engaged on issues of importance to the Black community at the state level.
The day will also include an address by Gov. Laura Kelly and updates from members of the Kansas Black Legislative Caucus. Organizers say the combination of education, access and dialogue remains central to the purpose of Black Legislative Day.
Tickets for Kansas Black Legislative Day are $15 and include lunch and participation in all workshops and related activities. On the day of the event, registration opens at 9:30 a.m., sessions begin at 10 a.m., and the program concludes at 2 p.m., allowing participants to return home before the end of the business day.
Tickets can be purchased online at CommunityVoiceKS.com by clicking “More” and then “KBLD Tickets” or by clicking the QR code in the ad on page 12 of this issue. The 2026 Kansas Black Legislative Day is sponsored by The Community Voice and the Kansas African American Affairs Commission.