Past Events
The Stories of Black and Biracial Women: A Necessary Celebration
The Story Table, sponsored by the Clay Countians for Inclusion, gives a voice to those who have been marginalized and oppressed. It provides a platform for people to shape the narrative of their own history. This is especially important in a world where voices and stories of people of color have historically been excluded and unheard.
Storytelling thrived long before books and written language because of the power of oral tradition. The power of one’s personal story creates legacy.
Black and biracial women will be bearing witness through personal testimony of the barriers they have broken through and how they conquered hidden agendas that were designed to keep them from thriving.
“If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive.” Audre Lorde, professor, author and poet.
This event was Saturday, September 14th, 2024.
MORE2 – June 20, 2024
The Metropolitan Organization for Racial and Economic Equity (MORE2) sponsored the third in a series of rallies in resistance to white Christian nationalism, held in Liberty on June 20. The program was convened in the First Presbyterian Church park. Rev. Stephanie Swanson, member of the Executive Board of MORE2, convened the rally. Georgia Barge provided music, and Rev. Nikki Cooley spoke on the threat of white Christian nationalism. The rally then moved to the Rooney Justice Center Plaza where Liberty City Councilman Kevin Graham spoke on the importance of the separation of church and state. Approximately one hundred people attended.
Racial Reconciliation Story Table
Native American Voices – April 20, 2024
The Story Table is a unique educational experience of people who embody a shared cultural experience. Authentic conversations occur over a meal as voices share their experiences.
- Clay Countians for Inclusion (CC4I) hosted a Story Table at Precious Blood Renewal that featured speakers from local Native American nations and a brief history from the author of a book covering Native American history.
- Native Americans shared their experiences, stories and concerns through a round table discussion.
- About 60 people attended the event which included a Native American taco bar dinner with fry bread and blue corn cakes, all created by a Native American chef.
Town Halls– April 7th and April 8th, 2024
Two CC4I town halls were held at Second Baptist Church – Tutt Chapel in Liberty, Missouri. Open to members and the public, information and feedback on CC4I’s current social justice pursuits were the topics:
- Race and racism;
- LGBTQ+ discrimination; and
Accessibility barriers for persons with disabilities.
Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City (HMCKC) – December 2023
CC4I, Clay Countian African American Legacy and the Liberty Arts Commission co-sponsored the first HMCKC performance in the Northland at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre in the Liberty Community Center. The holiday-themed event was a huge success with over 250 tickets sold and positive survey and audience responses. Check out upcoming events as HMCKC will be back on Dec 2, 2024, and the show will be bigger and better than ever!
Racial Reconciliation Story Table
Antisemitism – November 30th, 2023
- Our guests from the Jewish Community Relations Center/AJC were welcomed to Liberty and discussed antisemitism and shared stories as Jewish Americans about culture, religion and discrimination. The members of the organization spoke about their educational focus: creating the Prepare to Respond, Educate to Prevent (PREP) program.
- Attendees learned about the opportunity for expansion of contemporary training to fight antisemitism and developing DEI and workplace program, Making Space.
- They also spoke of how the Gaza/Israel war is impacting them and that it is a very challenging chapter in their history.
- All were able to sample traditional Jewish foods that served as a representation of Jewish heritage and culture.
Racial Reconciliation Story Table
Lens of a Black Man – June 24, 2023
- Three Black men who are of three different generations came together as storytellers.
- Each was asked to share his personal experience of living as a Black man and to speak to the pain points he has faced. Many of the issues overlapped generations.
- They presented their thoughts and ideas without a platform for opinions, political views or favorite causes.
- The event brought diverse people together to learn how our systems have impacted Black men and their families.
You are invited to a free event Nov. 5th honoring and celebrating
Native American month!
“Acknowledging History, Reclaiming Culture”
10 a.m. – noon at Garrison School, 502 N. Water St., Liberty, MO
Please join us as the following individuals provide their personal and professional expertise for a look into Native American history, culture and current initiatives:
Gaylene Crouser, Hunkpapa/Oglala, director of the Kansas City Indian Center
Jason Swartley, Isanti Dakota, cultural experiences
Pat Streng , author of “Native American Resilience”
Fill out the form below or RSVP to maxgarrison@dginform.com with Native American Event in the subject line and how many are attending. Know that it is open to the community, so feel free to invite others to join you.
Conversation and refreshments guaranteed!
Masks are encouraged, but not required.
Jim Crow Era in Clay County to Missouri Legislation 2022
Gina Houston and Robert Weagley will share personal experiences from the Jim Crow Era through a conversation moderated by Dr. Rodney Smith, Vice President for Access and Engagement, William Jewell College.
Hear Missouri Representative Maggie Nurrenbern provide updates on current legislation.
Pastor Gina S. Houston
Robert O. Weagley, PhD, CFP
Maggie Nurrenbern
Dr. Rodney Smith
CC4I community event,” Realizing the Dream,” will be Oct. 28th at 7 p.m. The night’s topic is “Equity Efforts: By and For Students,” with presentations and Q&A by:
Dr. Christopher Wilkins – William Jewell College
Reckoning with the Pro-slavery Past of Clay County and William Jewell College:
Education and Inclusion
Dr. Andrea Dixon-Seahorn, Chief Equity Officer
Dr. Jeremy Tucker, Superintendent of Liberty Public Schools
LPS Equity Journey
Dr. Christopher Wilkins
Associate Professor of History and Chair; Oxbridge History Core Curriculum, History, Oxbridge History
Dr. Andrea Dixon-Seahorn
Chief Equity Officer
Dr. Jeremy Tucker
Superintendent of Schools