WICHITA | KANSAS CITY
EDUCATION | PEOPLE | BLACK HISTORY
Good morning. It’s Friday, May 10, and here are the top stories this week.
Historically Black fraternities from the Divine Nine are uniting for a day of legislative advocacy at the Missouri state capitol. Meanwhile, Kansas drivers who have had their licenses suspended or revoked will benefit from new amendments to the state’s suspension and revocation laws, plus a webinar hosted by The Community Voice.
A recent study commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation found that over 80% of high school juniors and seniors value on-the-job training over a four-year degree.
Advocates, legislators, and business leaders gathered to discuss the ongoing efforts to legalize medical marijuana and the importance of equitable involvement from communities of color. Finally, finding the right therapist is crucial for anyone seeking mental health services, and this article highlights the importance of cultural competence in mental healthcare and provides tips on how to find the right therapist for Black individuals.
Fraternities of the Divine Nine unite for legislative advocacy in Missouri
Joining forces for a day of legislative advocacy and civic engagement, five historically Black fraternities from the Divine Nine are heading to the Missouri state capitol. Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta will unite for an event organized by the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus. With a focus on promoting unity and political awareness, the fraternities will engage with state legislators and participate in sessions at the capitol. Stay tuned to learn more about their efforts to foster connections and make a difference in their communities.
Kansas lawmakers approve driver-friendly changes to license suspension and revocation laws
Kansas drivers who have had their licenses suspended or revoked will benefit from new amendments to the state’s driver’s license suspension and revocation laws. The Kansas legislature has passed a bill that makes major changes to the policies for individuals with current, suspended, and revoked licenses and those who might fail to pay their tickets in the future. The changes will help more than 200,000 Kansas drivers. A free webinar will be held on May 11 to explain the complex changes in the law and answer questions from participants. The panel of experts includes KS Senator Oletha Faust Goudeau, Ed Klumpp, lobbyist for law enforcement matters, and Sheila Officer, chair of the Wichita Racial Profiling Advisory Board.
Study reveals high schoolers prioritize on-the-job training over college degrees
A recent study commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation found that over 80% of high school juniors and seniors value on-the-job training over a four-year degree. The study also surveyed non-enrolled adults ages 18-30 who either chose not to attend college or left their postsecondary program, with both groups placing higher value in on-the-job training, licenses, and professional certificates. Despite the value of a college degree, the study highlights growing apathy towards higher education due to negative media and student loan debt. Read on to learn more about the study’s findings and the concerns expressed by experts.
Medical marijuana legalization in Kansas: Advocates and legislators discuss equitable involvement
In a recent online forum, advocates, legislators, and business leaders gathered to discuss the ongoing efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Kansas and the importance of equitable involvement from communities of color. As Kansas remains one of the few states without any form of legalized marijuana use, participants highlighted the restrictive nature of the latest bills and emphasized the need for racial equity and participation. The group also explored key measures that should be included in the legislation, such as expunging past convictions and allowing individuals to grow their own plants. Additionally, they discussed the importance of grassroots advocacy and collaboration with existing groups and lobbyists.
Finding the right Black mental health provider: Overcoming challenges in KC Metro
Finding the right therapist is crucial for anyone seeking mental health services. However, for Black individuals, the search can be even more challenging due to the lack of Black mental health providers. Only 4.7% of psychologists and 4% of therapists in the US are Black. This article from The Community Voice highlights the importance of cultural competence in mental healthcare and provides tips on how to find the right therapist. It also features resources like the Color Collective Kansas City and a listing of nearly 35 Black mental health providers in Wichita.
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