History of Persecution Binds Black, Jewish Communities

In this undated photo, then-Kansas City Mayor Emanuel Cleaver (left) stands with Rabbi Michael R. Zedek of The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah and Zedek's wife, Karen. Cleaver was the longtime pastor at St. James United Church. Zedek estimated the photo was taken in the early 1990s at B'nai Jehudah's former site at 69th Street and Holmes Road in Kansas City. Zedek and Cleaver had many pulpit exchanges during that period. (Photo courtesy of The Kansas City Star)

Kansas City icon Alvin Brooks knows more about the Civil Rights Movement here than almost anyone alive. And Brooks, former Kansas City mayor pro tempore, insists that progress for Blacks here would have been much more difficult without the consistent and persistent help of Jewish residents and leaders. “Jews in this community and across the…

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Lady Pitmasters Work to Break Barbecue’s Gender Stereotypes

Veronica Scroggins trims beef for brisket at Scott’s Kitchen & Catering at Hangar 29 in Kansas City, North. (Chase Castor | Flatland)

Work in a barbecue joint can involve hoisting 85-pound cases of brisket and cleaning away the soot, grease, and grime inside the pits. No place for a woman? Tell that to aspiring pitmaster Veronica Scroggins and her mentor Scott Umscheid, owner of Scott’s Kitchen & Catering at Hangar 29, located in a former car rental…

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Abandoned Swope Park Lodge Eyed for Native American Center

Spring growth surrounds Hope Lodge in Swope Park on April 08, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. Hope Lodge is the last functional building remaining from Camp Hope, a dilapidated summer camp within Swope Park. (Chase Castor | Flatland)

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,”…

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