Gun Violence
School Shootings Pit Safety Vs. Pedagogy
In the aftermath of World War II, amidst Cold War tensions with the Soviets, U.S. students practiced “duck and cover” drills to prepare for nuclear attack. Fast forward more than half a century, and one of the most common safety precautions in schools today has nothing to do with a far-off threat; “active shooter” drills…
Privatizing Westport Sidewalks Is About Protecting Lives
As a frequent patron of Westport, I understand when business owners want to take action to make it a safer place. Westport is a center of what is Kansas City’s vibrant nightlife. Its reputation has taken a hit this year due to violent people committing criminal acts using firearms. Primarily, these acts have taken place…
Take 5 For Your Health
Planned Parenthood Adds Locations In Arkansas And Oklahoma Planned Parenthood Great Plains says it has joined forces with three Planned Parenthood facilities in Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, giving it a total of 12 health centers in four states. Formerly known as Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri, the organization earlier this year expanded into central…
In the Crossfire
Just this week, the New York Times detailed a study finding that police are more likely to rough up blacks than whites, meaning tactics like cuffs, pepper spray, and forcing the suspect against a wall. However, it also found no racial bias in lethal force, the deadly shootings we’ve come to rally around. The graphic below doesn’t…
My Week With the 16th Circuit Court
I remember a joke told by famous black comedian Richard Pryor. It went something like this: “If you are going downtown [to court], looking for justice, that’s what you will find, just us. The emphasis was on how unfair the justice system is for blacks. Indeed, growing up as young black male, without knowing my…