Happy Monday, Kansas City!
We hope you enjoyed the weekend. Let’s start the week with new stories coming out of KC.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Diane Charity’s lifelong commitment to justice
- Wyandotte County will hold its 7th annual expungement fair
- Urban Summit calls for Frank White Jr.’s resignation
- MLK Jr. FBI files made public despite family appeal
💡 Black Trivia Question: Which playwright’s A Raisin in the Sun (1959) was the first Broadway play written by a Black woman?
A. Berry Gordy B. Quincy Jones C. Otis Williams D. Lorraine Hansberry
*See the answer after “In Other News”*
🤩 Name in Lights: Many thanks to Renee Deggs, one of our generous donors. Financial support from our readers underwrites the work we do and allows us to keep our news free. Will you support us?
VIBRANT VOICES
The Grandmother of KC Tenants: Diane Charity’s Lifelong Battle for Justice
In her 70s, Diane Charity, the KC Tenants leader, remains one of the area’s most recognizable housing advocates.
Learn more about this Vibrant Voice
A MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER ANDREW DAVIS
Andrew Davis, elected in 2021, is Wyandotte County’s youngest commissioner. With a KU MPA and experience in community development, he champions equity, innovation, and economic growth. He lives in Victory Hills with his wife, Andrea, and actively supports local businesses, volunteers, and engages residents to strengthen the community. Tap the image above for more on Andrew.
KANSAS CITY NEWS
Wyandotte County Opens Doors to Second Chances at Free Expungement Fair
Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree wants people with criminal records to know something: a previous conviction doesn’t have to define your future. His office will host its 7th Annual Expungement Fair July 29-30
How do I know if I am eligible?
A MESSAGE FROM THE KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION
ELECTION
Urban Summit Calls for Frank White’s Resignation as Recall Battle Rages
A coalition including the Urban Summit’s civil rights leaders gathered on the Jackson County Courthouse steps, demanding County Executive Frank White Jr. resign immediately after he vetoed his own recall election ordinance.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
We’re always looking for ways to improve, and your input matters. Could you please take 5 minutes to complete our survey? Your feedback will help us better serve you and our community of readers. Thank you in advance!
NATIONAL NEWS
Trump Administration Releases Records on FBI’s Surveillance of Martin Luther King Jr.
The Trump administration has released records of the FBI’s surveillance of Martin Luther King Jr., despite opposition from the slain Nobel laureate’s family and the civil rights group that he led until his 1968 assassination.
Get Out This Week In Kansas City:
ENTERTAINMENT: Big Ocean Splashes into Kansas City!. Come see the first Deaf K-pop group right here in Kansas City at the Gem Theater. (July 31, 7p.m.)
CULTURE: Kansas City Black Expo. Experience culture, commerce & community at the Kansas City Black Expo —network, shop, and celebrate Black excellence! (Aug 1, 4p.m.)
SUMMER: Rock N Ball Celebrity Charity Basketball Game; Back 2 School Jam. Comedians & Personalities in Kansas City are coming together To Not Only Play Basketball But To Give Back To The Kansas City Area. (Aug 2, 1p.m.)
COMMUNITY: Cigars For A Cause. Join us for a cigar fundraiser supporting Faces of the Future—empowering youth in KC with mentorship and leadership opportunities. (Aug 2, 8p.m.)
See more Kansas City events on our new online calendar!
Heat maps show half the U.S. under advisories, warnings. About half the country is under active heat advisories on Monday, affecting more than 198 million Americans, according to the National Weather Service. (CBS)
Deion Sanders says he had bladder cancer but plans to coach the Colorado Buffaloes this season. Colorado coach Deion Sanders disclosed Monday that he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer but after surgery, his oncologist has considered him cured, so he plans to coach this season. (AP News)
Trivia Answer: D. Lorraine Hansberry. The playwright who wrote “A Raisin in the Sun” (1959), the first Broadway play by a Black woman, was Lorraine Hansberry. This groundbreaking play premiered on March 11, 1959, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City.
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