In many ways Happy Melly is your typical middle schooler who loves to play soccer and spend time with his family. But he also speaks three languages and had to travel thousands of miles to make Kansas City his new home.
Happy Melly’s Journey to Kansas City
Happy Melly immigrated from the Congo, where he and his family lived in fear of the government. Now, he’s a thriving example to his peers. Kansas City PBS – KCPT, Kansas City
Joustin Medina hadn’t seen his father for eight years, and there were times he thought he wouldn’t make it all the way from Honduras to Kansas City. But after an exhausting journey, his entire family is together again.
Joustin Medina’s Journey to Kansas City
Joustin Medina immigrated from Hondouras. Now’ he’s reunited with his father, who he hadn’t seen in eight years. Kansas City PBS – KCPT, Kansas City
Fourteen-year-old The Blay Paw loves to eat tacos and play on her phone. It’s a different life than she was accustomed to when her family left a camp of bamboo homes in Thailand to come to the United States.
The Blay Paw’s Journey to Kansas City
The Blay Paw immigrated from Thailand. Now, when she’s not in school, she enjoys watching children’s drama, eating tacos and playing on her phone. Kansas City PBS – KCPT, Kansas City
— Follow Take Note: Our City. Our Schools. Our Future as together, we tell the stories that matter, the stories that make an impact. We want to know — what stories do you have for us, and what can we find out for you? Email us at contact@takenotekc.org and follow the entire project at takenotekc.org.
Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.
Related Stories
Kansas City’s Place in Chicano History
On Sept. 16, 1969, students mobilized a Chicano walkout at Kansas City's West High School. Self-made periodicals, newsletters and newspapers were integral to getting the movement going.
A ‘Life in Limbo’: What’s Next for Kansas City’s DACA Recipients?
In June, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that upheld the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals program. Here's what that means to recipients in Kansas City.
Proposed Detention Center for Immigrant Boys Withdrawn
A proposal to open a detention center for immigrant boys ages 11-17 at the former Kindred Hospital building at 8701 Troost Ave. has been withdrawn.