Happy Monday, Wichita!
We hope you had a great weekend and are participating in today’s MLK National Day of Service. Let’s kickstart the week with some impactful stories .
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Kansas legislators recommend a Capitol mural honoring the 1st Kansas infantry of the Civil War
- Gov. Laura Kelly signed an order over the distribution of foster children funds
- There is still time to submit an application for Artists INC Live
- A new CBS soap-opera will feature a predominantly Black cast
Support Local Journalism: For nearly 30 years, The Community Voice has been a pillar of information and empowerment in Wichita and Kansas City. We need your support to keep delivering the news that matters. Your contribution will support funding an internship program as a way to build a pipeline of future reporters and immediately provide us with a talented and energetic crew to help support our coverage and product offerings. Join us in making a difference!
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
MLK Jr. Holiday Events
Today we honor the legacy of Dr. King Jr. and there are plenty ways to participate. Check out our full calendar of events all across Wichita, the KC metro area, and across the state of Kansas!
KANSAS STATE NEWS
Kansas Panel Endorses Capitol Location of Mural for 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment
A subcommittee of the Kansas Legislature agreed to recommend placement on the fourth floor of the Capitol a privately financed mural honoring the first Black regiment to see combat during the Civil War. The 1st Kansas Colored Infantry first saw combat at the Battle of Island Mound in Missouri on October 1862.
A MESSAGE FROM MASTERS AND MENTORS, WICHITA
Attention moms, dads, mentors, and volunteers: Come learn about a new program, “Masters & Mentors MLK Day of Service” for youth 12-17. The focus is on transforming young lives with chess instruction, CBI skills, mentoring, and family therapy. Come out and enjoy speakers, food and get a free t-shirt. Open to at-risk and justice involved youth.
KANSAS STATE NEWS
Kelly Signs Order That Ends Pocketing Foster Kid’s Federal Benefits
In this first of its kind in the nation order, DCF Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) will stop using children’s benefits to reimburse itself for the cost of providing their basic needs while in the agency’s care.
We’ve been enjoying and learning from our Black Trivia events so much, that we decided to let our newsletter members in on the fun with a regular Black Trivia question In our Monday and Friday newsletters.
Question: Which of these famous Black-American leaders was originally named Michael?
A. Malcolm X
B. Kwesi Mfume
C. Al Sharpton
D. Martin Luther King
*See the answer after “In Other News”*
WICHITA NEWS
Applications Being Accepted for Artists Professional Development Program in Wichita
There’s still time to submit an application to Artist INC Live (AIL). Application must be submitted by Jan. 27! Creatives of all kinds are invited to apply for this eight-session program by Mid-America Arts Alliance that helps artists, of any discipline, develop the building blocks for a thriving and enduring arts practice.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
Nominate a Love Couple
How about being one of the featured couples in our 2025 Valentine’s Issue? Or recommend a couple whose relationship you admire. Learn more about the details and nominate somebody. Just click the photo or button below.
ENTERTAINMENT
Beyond the Gates: New Soap Opera is Ready to Showcase ‘Different Side of the Black Experience
CBS has teamed up with the NAACP to make TV history. Together, they’ve developed Beyond The Gates, the first daytime soap with a predominantly Black cast since 1989’s Generations. The series, set to premiere Feb. 24 on CBS.
Watch a trailer for Beyond the Gates
‘You Want To Take It Outside …’: Reps Mace and Crockett Go At It In Hearing
A New WNBA 3-On-3 League Has Started
DOJ Sues Major Landlords Over Alleged Algorithmic Pricing Scheme
Snoop Dogg Under Fire for Performance Celebrating Trump Inauguration. He faces criticism after performing at a crypto event in Washington, D.C. prior to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. (Yahoo)
The View host Sunny Hostin reacts to Michelle Obama not attending Trump’s inauguration (Youtube)
Civil rights leaders, King family issue call to action as inauguration falls on MLK Day. Events honoring King and advocating for his vision of a just society will occur across the nation as many in the U.S. observe the peaceful transfer of power in the capital. (USA Today)
Trivia Answer: D. Martin Luther King. Of course on the national King holiday we’d have a question about MLK. This is a surprisingly little known fact. Dr. King’s given name was actually Michael, after his father, the Rev. Michael King Sr. In 1934, after King Sr. attended an international Baptist conference in Germany where he became inspired by the teachings of 16th-century religious thinker Martin Luther, he changed both his name and his son’s.
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