Ryan He

Nov 27, 2024 | kansascitydefender.com | Ryan He

Nearly three weeks after the killing of Maria Pike and her two-month-old baby, Destinii Hope, the Independence Police Department has released a highly edited three-minute video, offering a fragmented glimpse into the 20-minute incident. The video, which omits significant portions of the encounter, has only fueled public skepticism and intensified calls for accountability.

Nov 25, 2024 | kansascitydefender.com | Ryan He

KANSAS CITY, MO – Beloved Black restaurant “KC Daiquiri Shop,” known for hosting some of the most popular events in the city, its cajun dishes and of course, its signature daiquiris, announced its impending closure earlier this morning. The news comes as a devastating blow, not only to the restaurant’s loyal patrons but to the broader Black business ecosystem in Kansas City.

Nov 19, 2024 | kansascitydefender.com | Ryan He

“I pray I am a fool so as not to be exposed as a coward,” wrote James Gillcrist in an extraordinary open letter to the Rockhurst High School community. A theology and philosophy teacher, veteran, anti-racist advocate and lifelong advocate for the oppressed, Gillcrist was terminated last week in what he calls a clear retaliation for speaking truth to power. More than a local scandal—his firing indicates a chilling sign of the times we are in, and of the crackdown on dissent sweeping the nation.

Nov 18, 2024 | kansascitydefender.com | Ryan He

**UPDATE** Independence Police Department has released edited, body camera footage showing short portions of the moments leading up to their murder of Maria and baby Destiny. Officers did not allow mental health responders to engage Maria, and ultimately footage shows Maria grabbing a knife in the final moments prior to the murder of Maria and her child.

Oct 28, 2024 | kansascitydefender.com | Ryan He

Kansas City, the birthplace of Tech N9Ne and, more recently, the SleazyWorldGo entourage, still flies under the radar compared to hip hop giants like Atlanta, Chicago, and New York. However, the city boasts its own powerhouse talents, including Cinco, the official DJ for Funny Marco, who recently sold six records to rap superstar NBA YoungBoy. Despite this, Kansas City’s contributions remain largely overlooked on the national stage.