Black History

Junius Groves (center) grew more than just potatoes; he and his wife Matilda raised other vegetables and also tended orchards that produced apples, peaches and pears. (Photo courtesy, the Wyandotte County Historical Museum.)

Cultivating History Pt. 2: ‘Potato King’ Thrives Amid Racism

By Brian Burnes | February 19, 2025

While Kansas would prove friendly to potato growers like Junius Groves, it would not be quite the “free state” envisioned by Exodusters, the African Americans who, following the end of Reconstruction, considered their prospects more promising in the North. “It was about the same time when the Exodusters arrived in Kansas that the state Legislature…

The Groves family lived in this large home; “The Country Gentleman,” a national agricultural publication, described it as a “22-room palace.” (Contributed)

Cultivating History Pt. 1: ‘Potato King’ Earning New Renown

By Brian Burnes | February 18, 2025

Junius G. Groves is having a moment. Community knowledge of the African American potato farmer, who died 100 years ago this August, is growing after largely having vanished from the collective memory of Kansas, where he arrived carrying 90 cents in 1879. A new documentary, “The Potato King,” directed by filmmaker Jacob Handy, premiers Thursday…

Members of the Black Archives of Mid-America's Youth Coalition Network attended the 50th anniversary gala. The group is about four years old and works to develop their skills for research, such as a recent project on reparations.

Black Archives of Mid-America Marks 50th Anniversary

By Mary Sanchez | February 20, 2024

The Black Archives of Mid-America marked its 50th anniversary by emphasizing it role in preserving Black history in Kansas City.

Kansas City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson speaks in a church.

How to Convince White KC it’s Time for Black Reparations

By Bill Tammeus | January 28, 2024

Improving the lot of people of color in Kansas City also could improve the lot of all residents here — including white people, many of whom oppose reparations.

Martin Luther Jr. stands at a pulpit, with a light shining behind him. Jr. was a speaker at the Mammoth Rally on May 3 in the late 1950s.

For Black leaders in Kansas City, MLK Day is a Hectic — and Empowering — Day of Service

By Lawrence Brooks IV, KCUR 89.3 | January 15, 2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day for leaders in Black communities to connect to something bigger and encourage better support for African Americans.