Kansas City Black History
Since 2010, the partnership between the Kansas City Public Library, the Black Archives of Mid-America and LINC has been gathering the stories of Kansas City’s great men and women who forever shaped our city and our nation.
The history materials have been distributed for free by the thousands into schools, libraries, homes and community centers, now featuring more than 80 profiles.
An enhanced website at kcblackhistory.org compiles the biographies along with essays, lesson plans and videos, linking them to the Kansas City Public Library’s Black history materials and programs, including its collection of oral histories.
In 2021, the project compiled the profiles into a book that was expanded in 2022 with a 48-page second edition featuring 84 biographies along with new essays from Mayor Quinton Lucas, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II and many other contemporary voices. A downloadable version of the book is available online at KCBlackHistory.org, or by clicking here.
The 2024 edition of profiles is now available with six biographies in an 8-page booklet and poster set. Copies of the booklet are available at branches of the Kansas City Public Library and at the Black Archives of Mid-America, or can be downloaded or ordered below.
Download a copy of the 2024 poster set
Download a copy of the 2024 booklet
Order a printed copy of the 2024 booklet
Larger requests for the booklet and printed copies, email communications@kclinc.org.
KC Black History Project 2024: Profiles of dedication and excellence
The Kansas City Black History Project has returned with an eight-page booklet and poster set featuring profiles of six area men and women who enriched, entertained, strengthened and even saved lives.
Download Prior Years of Kansas City Black History
A limited number of posters are available, but all posters and booklets, and the 2022 Kansas City Black History book can be downloaded below.
Kansas City Black History Book
Individual Posters and Booklets, All Years
2024 Set
2020 Set
2019 Set
2018 Set
2017 Set
2016 Set
2015 Set
2014 Set
2013 Set
2012 Set
2011 Set
2010 Kansas City Leaders
2010 National Leaders
Lesson Plan
Download a lesson plan to use with students.
More lesson plans at kcblackhistory.org
Learn Their Stories
Visit kclinc.org/blackhistorystories to learn more about the individuals featured in this and prior years Black History Project.
