Racial Justice

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

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…

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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

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…

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Stone and brick building INQUEST lettering on front, concrete steps

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.

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President Joe Biden, left, speaks about an executive order in the East Room at the White House.

Border Issue Looms Over Cambio Center Conference in KC

The Cambio de Colores Conference convenes in Kansas City this week in the wake of President Joe Biden’s new executive order capping asylum seekers.

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Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick speaks to members of the media May 29, 2024, about Major League Baseball’s decision to include Negro Leagues stats in official MLB record books.

For Negro Leagues Museum President, Stat Recognition is Bigger Than Baseball

The addition of Negro Leagues baseball players’ statistics to MLB’s record books is bigger than baseball. It’s a part of American history.

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