LINC President and CEO Janet Miles-Bartee and LINC Commissioner and BLAQUE KC Founder Dr. Cokethea Hill-Woodard saw their names added Saturday to Jackson County’s Monument to Freedom, Justice and Courage.

The monument, erected in Leon Jordan Memorial Park at 31st Street and Benton Boulevard in Kansas City, honors those who are making or have made significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in Jackson County.

Miles-Bartee and Hill-Woodard were among the 48 names added to the wall who were celebrated with voice and song for their exceptional leadership qualities in the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life in the urban community of Jackson County.

Miles-Bartee was nominated for the honor by Kansas City community leader, human rights activist, and retired healthcare executive Jim Nunnelly. In his nomination, Nunnelly said, “Whether she’s kneeling to help the most vulnerable child or standing in the highest offices of the Capitol, Janet Miles-Bartee has always fought for justice.”

Miles-Bartee has given more than 30 years to LINC in the service of lifting up children, youth and families in the Kansas City community. She was named President and CEO in November 2023.

Woodard-Hill was named to LINC’s Commission in February 2025. Woodard-Hill founded BLAQUE KC in 2020 with the mission of creating culturally affirming environments to help Black children reach their full potential, rooted firmly in the enduring movement for racial justice and equity in Kansas City.

The monument was built in 2018 out of brick and polished concrete blocks in an eight-foot tall wall that creates a half-circle around the park’s statue of  Kansas City icon Leon Jordan.

Jordan, a former Missouri State Representative, was a towering civil rights figure in Kansas City when he was assassinated in 1970.

The park, the statue and then the monument help Kansas City and Jackson County remember his legacy and honor those who follow it.