History of African Americans in Kansas facts for kids

The African-American community in Kansas is an important part of the state's history. Many Black people have lived in Kansas for a long time. They have helped shape the state. A very important court case called Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka happened in 1954. This case changed schools across the country.

A Look Back: African Americans in Kansas

Kansas became a state in 1861. It was known as a "free state." This meant slavery was not allowed there. However, some Black people were brought to Kansas as slaves. Many Black people came to Kansas from the Southern United States. They worked as paid laborers. Some Black people also escaped slavery and traveled to Kansas. They used a secret network called the Underground Railroad.

In the 1860s, many Black families moved to Kansas. This movement was called the Kansas Exodus. They were looking for a better life. In 1954, the Supreme Court made a big decision. The case was Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. This ruling made it illegal to have separate schools for different races. It helped end segregation in schools across the nation.

Where People Lived: Geography

Nicodemus, Kansas is a special town. It was started by African Americans in the 1870s. Today, it is a Nicodemus National Historic Site. Nicodemus is the oldest town west of the Mississippi River that was settled only by African Americans. Most of the people who founded the town were formerly enslaved.

Most Black people in Kansas first lived in the eastern parts of the state. This was because the Underground Railroad had safe stops there. Kansas City, Kansas also has a large Black population today.

News and Media

The Call is a newspaper. Its main office is in Kansas City, Missouri. This newspaper is also given to African Americans in Kansas City, Kansas. It shares news important to the community.

Government and Politics

The Kansas African American Legislative Caucus is a group of lawmakers. They are members of the Kansas Legislature. This caucus works together on issues important to the African-American community in Kansas. A caucus is a meeting or group of people with shared interests. The legislature is the part of government that makes laws.

Learning and Education

Sumner High School was a high school in Kansas City, Kansas. For many years, it was a racially segregated school. This meant only Black students were allowed to attend it.

Famous People from Kansas

Kansas has been home to many notable African Americans, including:

• Janelle Monáe, a talented singer and actress
• Bobby Lashley, a well-known professional wrestler