A recent blog post discussed how communities that promote diversity and inclusion tend to foster economic mobility for their citizens. Kansas City, Missouri—host site of the 2016 ICMA Annual Conference—values celebrating the diverse background of its citizens all year long.  Here are highlights of exhibits and performances that take place throughout the city during Black History Month:

1. The American Jazz Museum hosts a ‘Jazz Storytelling’ educational session to introduce the city’s youth to new music and cultures.
2. The Black Archives of Mid-America, located in Kansas City, has many events all month long including a Black History Month Luncheon celebrating black entrepreneurship with Egypt Sherrod, host of HGTV’s top-rated show, “Property Virgins.”
3. The Mid-Continent Public Library features multiple sessions telling the history of Negro League Baseball. 
4. The Kansas City Public Library hosts multiple educational events including, “The History of African-American Cowboys.”
5. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures has a presentation on the “Stereotypes of Civil Rights: Black Paper Dolls in America.

Explore how Kansas City embraces diversity and inclusivity all-year-long on Visit KC’s webpage.

Douglas Shontz

Knowledge Network Research and Content Development Associate