Happy Friday!
Here’s a recap of the top stories from the week. Have a great weekend!
In Today’s Newsletter:
- LaTonia Kennedy wants to transform lives as USD 259’s Director of Family and Community Engagement
- KC’s Black MasterMind Group prepares for grand opening of Legacy Park Plaza
- Walmart plans to cut all artificial dyes and additives by 2027
- The director of Eisenhower Presidential Library. in Aiblene,KS has been ousted after refusing to gift Trump with a sword from collection
- Kansas officials crack down on illegal THC sales
💡 Black Trivia Question: In what year was the Black Panther Party founded?
A. 1940 B. 1966 C. 1980 D. 1973 *See answer after “In Other News”*
🤩 Name In Lights: Many thanks to Marilyn Word, one of our donors! Financial support from our readers underwrites the work we do and allows us to keep our news free. Will you support us?
WICHITA NEWS
1. LaTonia Kennedy: From Gordon Parks Success to Leading Family Engagement Districtwide
When LaTonia Kennedy talks about her new job, she doesn’t start with programs or acronyms. She starts with people. As Wichita Public Schools’ (USD 259) Director of Family and Community Engagement, Kennedy is charged with turning that belief into a system—one that helps students by helping families and by engaging supportive community partners.
A MESSAGE FROM THE KANSAS BLACK LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Join the Kansas Black Leadership Council for a powerful gathering of minds on the final stop of the 2025 Brunch Series. With a keynote from Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, we’ll celebrate our roots and sharpen our vision. From changemakers to future leaders — this is where we build. Tickets are limited — reserve your seat today.
KANSAS CITY NEWS
2. Holiday Grand Opening of Legacy Park Plaza Kicks Off Black MasterMind Summit
The Black MasterMind Group (TBMMG) is preparing for an initial grand opening of Legacy Park Plaza, its long-awaited business and community hub in downtown KCK, just in time for the 2025 holiday season, a milestone that represents both progress and perseverance for the organization.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY OF WICHITA DISTRICT 1
Join us for a community forum featuring candidates running for Wichita’s District 1 City Council seat and the Wichita Public Schools Board of Education. Come hear directly from the candidates about the issues that matter.
NATIONAL NEWS
3. Walmart Plans to Remove Artificial Colors and Additives by 2027
Walmart said Wednesday that it plans to remove synthetic food dyes and 30 other ingredients, including some preservatives, artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes, from its store brands sold in the United States by January 2027.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
Save the date! Join The Voice for a special event celebrating life, learning, and wellness for adults 55 and better! Enjoy a balanced day of education, fun, and self-care — all in one welcoming space.
KANSAS STATE NEWS
4. Director of Eisenhower Library in Kansas Ousted After Refusing to Give Trump Administration a Sword
The director of the presidential library and museum in Abilene, Kansas, said he was suddenly told to resign or be fired. He refused to give the Trump administration a historic sword from the museum’s collection.
MARIJUANA
5. Kansas Officials Crack Down on ‘Brazen’ Sales of Marijuana and THC Products With Statewide Raids
Kansas Bureau of Investigation director Tony Mattivi and Attorney General Kris Kobach announced a crackdown Wednesday on “brazen” sales of marijuana and THC products as law enforcement raided 10 shops in six cities across the state.
Get Out This Weekend:
KANSAS CITY
MUSIC: The Last of the Blue Devils: 50th Anniversary Screening & Concert. Join the Gem Theater for a celebration of Kansas City’s iconic jazz legacy with a film and concert. (Oct 10, 5pm)
HOMECOMING: The Blue Tiger Tailgate – Homecoming 2025. Join us for a day filled with fun, food, and football at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy. (Oct 10, 5pm)
AWARDS: Race, Place & Diversity Awards Dinner. This is your opportunity to be part of a memorable evening celebrating extrordinary champions of diversity & inclusion: Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II and Sophic Solutions, Dr Rodney & Stephanie Smith, MSW. (Oct 11, 6pm)
EMPOWERMENT: Awaken My Identity Youth Conference. Get ready to discover more about yourself, connect with like-minded individuals, and be motivated to reach your full potential. (Oct 11, 7pm)
WICHITA
ART: Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. Take an awe-inspiring journey into the incomparable universe of Van Gogh, one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the 19th century. (All month)
WINE: Simply Sangria at Mulvane’s Farmers Market. Simply Sangria will have bottles of wine and award winning sangrias at the Mulvane’s Downtown Farmers’ Market every month. (Oct 12, 8am)
See more events on our new online calendar!
Trump administration begins layoffs of federal workers amid government shutdown. Unions representing government employees vowed to fight the layoffs with lawsuits. (CNBC)
LeBron James will miss opening night of his record 23rd NBA season due to sciatica. The 40-year-old superstar will be sidelined at least until the end of October. (The Grio)
Federal judge rules against ICE over warrantless arrests of Kansas City-area restaurant workers. The arrests of the workers at El Potro Mexican Café in February were among the first in the Kansas City area to draw widespread media attention. (KCUR)
💡Trivia Answer: B. 1966. The Black Panther Party was founded in October 1966 in Oakland, California by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, who met at Merritt College in Oakland. It was a revolutionary organization with an ideology of Black nationalism, socialism, and armed self-defense, particularly against police brutality.
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