Black History in Kansas City
Honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a visit to one of Kansas City's museums preserving the story of Black History in America or a celebration at an event honoring Dr. King. Also discover ways to spend time together as a family over the Holiday.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Events in Kansas City 2011:
Martin's Big Words Storytime
Jan. 15, 2011 at 11:00 AM, Barnes &Noble Town Center Plaza. Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport. Join us for the award-winning biography of civil rights leader and icon Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin's Big Words is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America and the world forever. 913.491.4535 www.barnesandnoble.com
Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Jan. 15, 2011 at 12:00 PM, Garrison Community Center. Lift every voice and come celebrate the accomplishments of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There will be a reading of the poem, "I Have a Dream," music and refreshments. Come and remember the man and the Legend. 816.784.1140 www.kcmo.org/parks
William Jewell College 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Jan. 17, 2011 at 10am in the John Gano Memorial Chapel at William Jewell College. The program is free and the public is invited to attend; tickets or reservations are not required. The featured speaker for the event is Dr. John Covington, superintendent of schools for the Kansas City, Mo., School District. In addition, campus and community leaders will be honored with the Martin Luther King, Jr. community service award. Recipients for 2011 will be announced at a later date. The MLK Day celebration will include a performance by the William Jewell College Concert Choir.The William Jewell College Concert Choir will also perform. William Jewell College Annual MLK Jr. Day Celebration
Martin Luther King Day at the Kansas City Art Institute
Jan. 17, 2011 at 11:30am at Epperson Auditorium at the Kansas City Art Institute. Charles Coulter, teacher of African-American history at the Kansas City Art Institute and at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, will recite a Martin Luther King, Jr. speech. Watch a documentary about the civil rights movement. The event is free and open to the public. Cake will be served, and free lapel buttons handed out. Call 816.802.3435.
School's Out on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Events:
- Ice Skate at The Ice at Park Place: Admission is $7 for people 11 years of age and up, and $6 for kids 10 years of age and younger. Skate rental is $3, but you are welcome to bring your own skates! Hours through Feb 21: Monday-Thursday: 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm; Friday: 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm; Saturday: 11am to 10pm; Sunday: Noon to 8pm The Ice at Park Place
- Ice Skate at Crown Center Ice Terrace: Admission is $6, or free for adults over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. Hours through January: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday & Saturday. Crown Center Ice Terrace
- Safari Day Camp at the Zoo: School's Out! Drop your children off at the Zoo for a day filled with fun and learning. This one day camp is fast paced full of hands on activities. If your child can acclimate easily to various activities then this is the day camp for them. Program from 8am-5:30pm. Cost: $45 ($40 for FOTZ members). Grades:K-6th Kansas City Zoo Safari Day Camp
- Roller Skate at Skate City: Jan. 17, 2011 at 12:00 PM, Skate City. School's Out - Take the kids roller skating at Skate City! Sessions from 12-2pm and 2-4pm! $4.50/for 2 hrs, $2.50 for additional sessions + $1.50/skate rental. 913.888.6668 www.skatecitykansas.com
- B & D South Roller Skating Rink: (13903 E. Noland Court, Independence, MO. 816.252.1084). Open 2-4pm. Admission is $2/ea, + skate rental. B & D South Skating Rink
- Skate City Legends: (7838 Washington Ave., KCKS. 913.788.7788). 12-2pm & 2-4pm. $4.50/admission + $2/skate rental. Games and Prizes! Skate City Legends
- Family Sessions at Kaleidoscope: Explore the most wonderful and imaginative hands-on art center for children around. Children of all ages and their adults are welcome to attend FREE! Family Art Sessions. Each session lasts 40 minutes. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child. Family Sessions are offered Jan 17 & 18 at 9:40, 10:30, 11:20, 12:50, 1:40, 2:30, and 3:20. Call 816.274.8300 for more information. Hallmark Kaleidoscope
- Union Station is OPEN: Union Station's attractions, including Science City, will be open Monday, January 17, 2011 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Union Station Kansas City
- Paint, Glaze & Fire 1/2 Price Studio Fees: Jan. 17, 9am-5pm. 1/2 PRICE STUDIO FEES ALL DAY LONG(does not include price of ceramic pieces & may not be combined with other discounts or promotions - Exception: may be combined with holiday ceramic discount). 30% Off Christmas & Hanukah Pottery. Drink special: Hot Chocolate w/ Marshmallows & Cookie $2.25 Paint, Glaze & Fire
- Indoor Fun: Kansas City's Family Fun Centers are open for play! Climb, jump and play on inflatables, ride roller coasters, go bowling, play lazer tag, and more! See our Guide to Indoor Fun in Kansas City for ideas!
Exhibits Celebrating Black History: 2011
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO 64111
816.751.1ART (816.751.1278)
African Art Collection: The African collection comprises approximately 300 objects that are diverse in form and in media.
American Jazz Museum
1616 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO 64108
816.474.8463
Exhibits include the history of the African-American experience on 18th & Vine and its contributions to the cultural, social and economic development of Kansas City.
Black Archives of Mid-America
2033 Vine, Kansas City, MO 64108
816.483.1300
Collections featuring paintings, sculptures and writings by black artists. Archive of information on local writers, musicians and leaders in Kansas City.
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center
3700 Blue Pkwy., Kansas City, MO 64130
816.513.0700
www.KCMO.org/Parks.nsf/web/Watkins
This museum is a tribute to the legacy of Kansas City’s early African-American pioneers, portraying the artistic, cultural and social history of the African-American experience.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
1616 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO 64108
816.221.1920
Museum dedicated to the history of Negro Leagues Baseball, with interactive exhibits for all ages.
U.S. National Archives
400 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108
816.268.8000
Kansas City is one of the 11 branches of the National Archives. Current Exhibit at National Archives: Documented Rights (Through March 19). The exhibition features documents that give voice to the national struggle for human and civil rights.
Note: This list was compiled by the staff of KC Parent Magazine and may not be reproduced in print or online without permission. Please email kristina@kcparent.com if you have an addition to this list.