Kansas City’s African-American Heritage
jackie robinson
Aired on May 31, 2025
Join Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick of World Footprints as we explore Kansas City’s rich African American heritage—a vibrant cultural tapestry woven through jazz, sports, literature, and the ongoing struggle for social justice.
⚾ The Negro Leagues: Where Baseball Meets Civil Rights
Our journey begins with Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM), one of Kansas City’s most treasured institutions. Bob reminds us that the Negro Leagues are not just about baseball—they represent a critical chapter in America’s civil rights story. These leagues gave rise to barrier-breaking athletes and community leaders during the Jim Crow era, laying the groundwork for broader social change.
Founded in 1990 in a small Kansas City office, the NLBM has grown into a nationally respected museum that tells the full story of African American baseball. In 2006, Congress recognized the NLBM as “America’s National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.” Today, it remains a powerful space for remembrance and education, hosting annual events that bring the legacy of players like Satchel Paige and Buck O’Neil to life.
“The Negro Leagues are a story of triumph over adversity,” says Kendrick. “It’s the story of America at its worst and its best.”
Tune in to hear more about the museum’s upcoming exhibits and celebrations, including one particularly special event that Bob shares with us exclusively.
🗃️ The Black Archives: Preserving Mid-America’s African American Stories
Next, we head to Kansas City’s historic 18th and Vine District to visit the Black Archives of Mid-America, a cultural cornerstone that documents the lives and contributions of African-descended people across Missouri and the central United States.
Dr. Carmaletta “Carma” Williams, the Archives’ Executive Director, walks us through this vital space. According to Dr. Carma, “The Black Archives is the linchpin for nearly every African American experience in the region.”
Inside, visitors can explore an extensive collection that includes rare photographs, historical documents, literature, and oral histories. The museum not only highlights the past—it also continues to amplify today’s Black voices and community stories.
🖤 Featured Exhibits: From Enslavement to Empowerment
The Black Archives’ exhibitions spotlight the struggles and victories of African Americans in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, and beyond. Must-see displays include:
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Slavery in Missouri
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Before We Were Soldiers (1840s–1850s)
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The Civil Rights Era’s Local Legacy
Together, these exhibits illuminate how Kansas City has long been a battleground—and a beacon—for Black resilience, leadership, and cultural expression.
🧭 Plan Your Visit to Kansas City’s Black Cultural Sites
Whether you’re a history buff, cultural traveler, or advocate for social justice, Kansas City’s Black heritage sites offer transformative travel experiences. From the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s powerful legacy to the Black Archives’ ongoing storytelling, these institutions reveal the soul of a city shaped by struggle, artistry, and triumph.
Click images below for guest profiles.
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