J.M. Banks

1 week ago | timesdaily.com | J.M. Banks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As anti-violence activist, Alvin Brooks, entered Pilgrims Rest Missionary Baptist Church, memories from his many years spent growing up in this Kansas City house of worship flooded his mind. kAm%96 @=5 DE@?6 3F:=5:?8 =@42E65 :? E96 962CE @7 E96 sF?32C ?6:893@C9@@5 H2D E96 D:E6 7@C 32AE:D>D[ t2DE6C D6CG:46D[ 2?5 82E96C:?8D E92E E@@< A=246 5FC:?8 E96 4@>>F?:EJ =6256C’D J@FE9] qC@@<D[ ha[ DA6?E 9:D 49:=59@@5 :?

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | J.M. Banks

Editor's Note: This interview is part of an ongoing Star series highlighting Kansas Citians from historically under-represented communities and their impact on our region. The series builds on The Star's efforts to improve coverage of local communities. Do you know someone we should interview? Share ideas with our reporter J.M. Banks. Larnell Jones grew up in a family that for three generations has tended to the funeral needs of Kansas City for 70 years.

2 weeks ago | kansascity.com | J.M. Banks

Patrice Mendoza had performed in burlesque since 2016 and worked to make plus sized women feel comfortable with their bodies in front of a crowd. Mendoza Family When Erica Rose began her burlesque career three years ago, she was nervous about stepping onto the stage for the first time. The thought of performing in a revealing outfit, not just in front of strangers but also her family and friends who had come to see her debut, left her feeling terrified.

2 weeks ago | kansascity.com | J.M. Banks

Cindy Hohl is a member of the Santee Sioux Nation and works as a librarian with the Kansas City Public Library and as president of the American Library Association to help people access information. Cindy Hohl Cindy Hohl, a member of the Santee Sioux Nation, grew up in Nebraska. Her cultural upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of belonging and a deep commitment to helping others.

3 weeks ago | kansascity.com | J.M. Banks

Anna Thomas-Rios, member of the Junior League of Kansas City has worked with the organization for six years and is currently organizing the 8th Annual C3KC Conference, bringing together civic and community leaders to solve problems in the metro. Anna Thomas-Rios Anna Thomas-Rios recalls one of the earliest lessons her parents taught her: "To whom much is given, much is expected." This saying has shaped her life, guiding her to believe that there is always more good to be done.