Kayla Sydnor

Apr 29, 2024 | kansascitydefender.com | Kayla Sydnor

Every year at the University of Missouri-Columbia, the campus is oozing black, gold, and white for Homecoming in mid-to-late October. Preparations are made for events and games hosted by the Missouri Students Association (MSA), Greek organizations, and others. In the early morning hours on Saturday, music is blasting from the annual parade that wakes everyone who lives downtown out of their sleep.

Oct 12, 2023 | kansascitydefender.com | Kayla Sydnor

COLUMBIA, Mo — Amidst the rising tide of racial tensions at the University of Missouri—exacerbated by the recent policy changes that struck down Affirmative Action and a disconcerting number of hate crimes—two pioneering Black organizations took a radical step. The Legion of Black Collegians (LBC), the country’s first and only Black student-run government, and G Class Events hosted tailgates aimed squarely at creating a joyous and safe community space for Black students.

Apr 12, 2023 | columbiamissourian.com | Kayla Sydnor |Kristin Kuchno

Concerns about free expression on campus and mental health resources were themes of an advocacy practices event hosted Tuesday by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Members of the Epsilon Psi chapter gathered at the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center on the university’s campus. About 25 people — excluding members — were in attendance, all of them Black women students at MU. After Delta member Kiara Davis led icebreaker questions, the discussion was led by members Aysia Grey and Kennedy Ortiz.

Feb 13, 2023 | columbiamissourian.com | Kayla Sydnor |Mark Horvit

A new nonprofit organization for families affected by the foster care system had its grand opening Monday morning in downtown Moberly . Rooted 242 includes "a cafe, meeting and training space, and a family support room for visitation," and plans call for studio apartments for foster children transitioning out of the system, according to a new release from State Rep. Ed Lewis, R-Moberly.