Passing the Baton | Diane Charity on the Fight for Fair Housing
February 13, 2023 | | 2 min read
Diane Charity grew up during the civil rights era and has been active in local community development and politics ever since.
She is known for serving as board president of the Manheim Neighborhood Association and the Parade Park Homes Cooperative. She also is a member of Kansas City PBS’ community advisory board.
More recently, Charity became a key player in founding KC Tenants, a citywide tenant union that is emerging as a force in local politics.
In this week’s installment of “Passing the Baton,” a series of cross-generational conversations hosted by urban educator Carl Boyd, Charity reflects on her journey and the founding of KC Tenants with Brian Hullaby, a community organizer with KC Tenants.
“The people closest to the problem are closest to the solution,” Charity said while describing her decades-long battle for fair and affordable housing.
“So listen to us and help us to be at that table when decisions are made. Nothing about us without us.”
Watch more in the attached video.
Sandy Woodson is an independent producer, most recently of “AIDS in KC: The Early Days,” which aired on Kansas City PBS. “Passing the Baton” is presented with support from Health Forward Foundation and
Husch Blackwell.
Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.
Related Stories
Nick’s Picks | Roads, Bathrooms, Costco and More …
New Toll Road Opens Kansas City’s first toll road opens this week. Starting Saturday, you’ll pay up to $3.50 to travel the new express lanes on U.S. Highway 69 from 103rd to 151st streets in Overland Park. There are no toll booths — cameras scan your license plate, and a bill arrives by mail. KTAG…
Up From the Ashes: Warwick Theatre Revival Draws Applause
Two years ago, John Cleary met a fellow Kansas City actor for drinks. Their conversation centered on the fate of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. A large portion of the ensemble’s home, the Warwick Theatre, was ash, charred timbers and soot-saturated costumes and props — remnants from a recent massive fire. The destruction was so great…
Nick’s Picks | Baseball, Drones, Romance and More …
Royals Reveal Next week, the Kansas City Royals head to Arizona for Spring Training. And that’s the mayor’s self-imposed deadline to lock in a stadium deal. So, is this finally the week owner John Sherman steps to the plate and unveils where the Royals will build their next home? At last week’s council meeting, Mayor…