Happy Monday, Wichita!
A fresh week is here, and so is your Monday roundup of local news, community updates, and events you won’t want to miss.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- A Facebook Photo Changed Her Life. Now She’s Headed to Miss Teen USA
- More Black candidates face challengers in Kansas House races this year
- Neighborhood stores become key partners in improving healthy food access.
💡 Black Trivia Question: Which famed 19th-century abolitionist and women’s rights advocate delivered the famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech at the 1851 Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio?
A. Sojourner Truth B. Harriet Tubman C. Frances Watkins Harper D. Harriet Ann Jacobs
*See the answer after “In Other News”*
🤩 Name in Lights: Many thanks to Marisa Gray, 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?
WICHITA NEWS
From Facebook Post to State Crown
What started with a message from a pageant director who spotted her on social media turned into an extraordinary journey. Wichita Heights valedictorian Dia Kearney entered her first pageant, won it, then captured the Miss Kansas Teen USA crown. Her next stop? The national stage in Florida.
WICHITA NEWS
Beyond the Food Desert: How Wichita Is Building a Long-Term Solution Through Neighborhood Stores
Wichita is investing nearly $1 million to help neighborhood stores offer more fresh food in areas with limited grocery options. Through the Healthy Corner Store Initiative, local markets, growers and com
KANSAS STATE NEWS
More Competition Than Usual: Legislative Races to Watch Across Kansas
Competition is uncommon in many legislative districts represented by African-American candidates. This year, contested primaries, open seats and general-election challenges are giving voters more choices in races across Kansas.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
We’ve created one place for you to see events happening around Wichita and the entire state. Check out The Link Up today, our new online calendar!
Get Out This Week In Wichita:
FILM: 2026 JuneteenthICT Film Festival. Join us at Historic Dunbar Theatre for a groundbreaking film festival you won’t want to miss. Experience education, entertainment, inspiration, and celebration of African Americans Standing on Business in the film industry. (June 16, 6:30a.m.-9p.m.)
YOUTH: Protect Your Mind. Masters & Mentors, we’re continuing to teach our young men the value of patience, strategy, and critical thinking through the game of chess.. (June 17, 6:30p.m-7:30p.m.)
TEENS :2026 Annual Juneteenth Talent Show. Calling all young singers, dancers, poets, musicians, comedians, performers, and creative youth!. (June 18, 6p.m.-8p.m.)
DANCE: FREEDOM BALL! AFTER the festivities that take place at McAdams Park on Juneteenth join us at Elisabeth Lounge for the “FREEDOM BALL. (June 19, 1:30p.m.-5p.m.)
See more Wichita events on our new online calendar!
Obama Presidential Center Unveils First Official Portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama Together. Visitors to the new Obama Presidential Center will be greeted by a historic first.. (VOICE)
Knicks fans celebrate throughout NYC after first title in 53 years. A star since the 1960s, he helped to bring the sound of Jamaica to a global audience through hits such as Wonderful World, Beautiful People, and I Can See Clearly Now. (ESPN)
18th & Vine Opens New Pedestrian Corridor Ahead of Juneteenth. Community leaders celebrate the completion of the new 18th & Vine pedestrian corridor during a ribbon-cutting ceremony last month. (VOICE)
Trivia Answer: A. Sojourner Truth. Sojourner Truth (c. 1797 – 1883) was an American abolitionist, women’s rights activist, and evangelist. Born Isabella Baumfree into slavery in Ulster County, New York, she escaped to freedom in 1826. She is best remembered for her powerful, impromptu advocacy for human rights and for her famous, though widely debated, “Ain’t I a Woman?”
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