Mary Sanchez
Stories by Mary Sanchez
Area crop artist’s latest work celebrates U.S.-Mexico ties
Kansas soil, cleared of vegetation to reveal a rich brownish mauve, forms the indigenous woman’s skin. Sand, mulch, woodchips, and compost are layered and sculpted to form the rest of the portrait titled “Young Woman of Mexico.” Stan Herd has sculpted similar images for more than 30 years in places like Brazil, China, and Cuba….
Abandoned Swope Park Lodge Eyed for Native American Center
The playground bullies had cornered a target, a little girl about 5 years old. Chris Cotten remembered running across the park, demanding an explanation. “Oh, we’re just picking on this Indian,” was the reply. That Indian, the one with skin darker than his own, was Cotten’s younger sister. “We’re adopted, and I’m part Indian too,”…
Man deported after visiting family grave in Mexico is back in Kansas City
This story was originally published by The Beacon, an online news outlet focused on local, in-depth journalism in the public interest. Evenezer Cortez Martinez is back on U.S. soil, landing in Kansas City Tuesday afternoon after being deported. The DACA recipient and Kansas father of three feared that he wouldn’t be able to return from…
Leavenworth considers prison cells for Trump’s mass deportation plan
This story was originally published by The Beacon, an online news outlet focused on local, in-depth journalism in the public interest. The immigrant detainee, a client of Rekha Sharma-Crawford, would have to be moved. Chase County Detention Center was full. Located in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, it’s the largest detainee holding center in the region contracting…
Kansas City Bears Racial Scars of Interstate System
Political power, civic influence, and blatant racism shaped the construction of the federal highway system crisscrossing the U.S. today. Kansas City was an extraordinarily adept player in the post-WW II effort. As a result, interstates slice and encircle the metropolitan area, U.S. 71 Highway runs along the east side of town, and many other connecting…
SCOTUS Justice Applauds KC Stage Adaption of Her Book
As the first Latina, and the third woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor is noted for reasoned questioning and, at times, searing dissents. But legal opinions, despite obvious historical weight, aren’t the writings that Sotomayor referred to as her life’s work during her recent visit to Kansas City. The messaging within her…
Jackson County Prosecutor Candidates Make Their Cases
Candidates for Jackson County prosecutor are dealing with questions about how they would prioritize violent crime versus more common nonviolent property crime.
Public Safety Debate Shapes Jackson County Prosecutor Race
Concern about public safety makes the Jackson County prosecutor race one of the most consequential on the upcoming August primary ballot. Meet the candidates.
New Survey Seeks Rural and Racially Diverse LGBTQ+ People
A new study seeks to assess the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in the Kansas City area. But the survey isn't reaching some key groups within the community.
Minority Chambers of Commerce Join Forces on Ward Parkway
Two chambers of commerce, assisted by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, have joined forces to create the Minority Chamber Development Center at 9100 Ward Parkway.