People

By Delores Jones

Kansas City, MO – Bobby Seale was the chairman and co-founder, along with Huey Newton, of the Black Panther Party, an organization formed in 1966 to guard against police brutality in black neighborhoods and provide social services. Last week, he was the keynote speaker at Tent State University, a group formed by UMKC students to protest against some of the University's practices.

One of the musicians displaced in New Orleans last month had only moved there a month ago . . . but musician Susana Baca has experience recovering traditions that are almost lost.

By Sylvia Maria Gross

By Sylvia Maria Gross

Kansas City, MO – In some cases, a disaster provides an opportunity for communities to come to together. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross speaks to one local Vietnamese family who takes in relatives from New Orleans and finds a new connection here.

The Vietnamese American Community of Greater Kansas City donated funds for the Nguyen family to get back on their feet in Kansas City.

Excerpts from a recent performance of storyteller Noa Baum about a Palestinian-Israeli friendship.

By Sylvia Maria Gross

Kansas City, MO – Two women grew up in Jerusalem ? but cultural and physical walls kept them apart. One is Palestinian, the other, a Jewish Israeli. But in California, they have the opportunity to meet, and eventually share their experiences. Storyteller Noa Baum created a performance from the story of their friendship. On Monday, she presented the one-woman show ?A Land Twice Promised? at the American Heartland Theater.

Hip hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons talks about financial responsibility at last week's Hip Hop Summit Action Network.

By Delores Jones

Russell Simmons' Hip Hop Summit Action Network

By Delores Jones

Kansas City, MO – This weekend, Kansas City hosted two hundred future lawyers from around the country for a legal job fair. It was the first time the Metropolitan Bar Association organized such an event, aimed at attracting young people of color to Kansas City area law firms. In recent years, local law firms have struggled to hire and retain a diverse team of associates and partners. Former President of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Sylvester James is leading the drive to increase diversity in area firms.

Take a stroll on the new 12th and Vine plaza with Ollie Gates.

By Delores Jones (edited by Linda Sher)

Goin' to Kansas City Plaza at 12th and Vine

Kansas City, MO – In recent years, the 18th and Vine area has been redeveloped, but 12th and Vine has really been the jazz center of Kansas City. Ollie Gates of Gates Barbeque is now coordinating the redevelopment of the 18th and Vine plaza and tours the area.

By Sylvia Maria Gross

Goin' to Kansas City Plaza at 12th and Vine

Kansas City, MO – In recent years, the 18th and Vine area has been redeveloped, but 12th and Vine has really been the jazz center of Kansas City. Ollie Gates of Gates Barbeque is now coordinating the redevelopment of the 18th and Vine plaza and tours the area.

By Delores Jones

Kansas Citian Angela Cozart's Evacuation

Kansas City, MO – Recent Dillard University graduate Angela Cozart fled New Orleans just before Hurricane Katrina hit. She tells the story to KCUR's Delores Jones.