Paid Political Advertisement
Volume 5/Issue 1
Councilmember At-Large 3rd District Quinton D. Lucas Councilmember At-Large 4th District Councilmember At-Large 2nd District Katheryn Shields Councilmember At-Large 5th District Teresa Loar Lee Barnes
Thriving Neighborhoods and a Vibrant City! Vote Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Paid for by Freedom, Inc. Bruce Beatty, Treasurer. Page 2 VOTE TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 Paid Political Advertisement
Message from the Leadership Team FREEDOM, INC. FORWARD... ON THE MOVE! A few years ago Freedom’s leadership team convened a group of stakehold- ers to help develop a strategy for stabilizing the organization’s infrastructure. As an outcome of that effort, a strategic direction is now in place to help us better serve our community. We will continue our forward progress toward social and economic parity for African Americans by ensuring that we are equitably represented at the local, state, and national seats of government. We are pleased to report that, THANKS TO YOU THE VOTERS, the Board of Directors hard work of a committed and engaged board of directors, a hard-work- Leadership Team ing Nominating Committee, and a stellar group of active members, we are Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls Leadership Team (l-r): Dr. Gayle Holliday, Gwendolyn moving forward! Grant and Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls Gwendolyn Grant Our strategic plan is in place and we are working on your behalf to ensure that Dr. Gayle Holliday we fulfill our mission to impact public policy decisions, foster economic development and generate wealth to improve Ken Bacchus (Currently on leave of absence) the quality of life for African Americans. Bruce Beatty, Treasurer We believe strongly that the candidates we have endorsed to serve on the Kansas City, Missouri City Council have the requi- Gail McCann Beatty site skills, aptitude, and equally important, a commitment to the values and principles that are embedded in our mission. Craig Bland We believe that they are best suited to represent our issues, our priorities and our agenda. They are experienced, committed, Rodney Bland Melba Curls talented, focused and accessible. Randy Dunn For more than 50 years, Freedom, Inc. has been on the battlefield fighting for you, fighting for justice, fighting for equal DaRon McGee access, and fighting to ensure you have a voice at City Hall! Our history speaks for itself, but our future is in your hands. Darren Smith Keith Thomas WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT AND WE ASK THAT YOU VOTE THE ENTIRE FREEDOM, Inc. BALLOT ON TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015. Your vote for every Freedom-endorsed candidate is a vote for Thriving Neighborhoods and 1202 Brooklyn Avenue a Vibrant City! Kansas City, MO 64127 816-483-VOTE (8683) Yours in service for Freedom, Justice and Equality, Fax 816-483-1246 Email [email protected] WWW.FREEDOMINCORPORATED.ORG Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls Gwendolyn Grant Dr. Gayle Holliday KC skyline photo courtesy of Raye Pond Photography.
Freedom, Inc. and the community lost an iconic leader with the passing of “Rev. Fuzzy was a tower of a man, not only in stature, but in his quest Rev. Dr. Nelson “Fuzzy” Thompson for civil rights, social and political Fuzzy served as chairman of the Freedom, Inc. Nominating Committee for nearly 20 justice. His long and devoted years, stepping aside only when health issues made it too difficult for him to devote service to Freedom, Inc. helped the time and energy required. Even after his resignation he continued to offer input, forge a legacy of political strength in guidance, and his perspective on candidate endorsements. His main criterion was to endorse only those candidates committed to equal justice and the empowerment of the African-American community.” African Americans. We are committed to honoring his legacy. —Dr. Gayle Holliday
Paid for by Freedom, Inc. Bruce Beatty, Treasurer. Paid Political Advertisement FREEDOM, INC. Page 3 Kenneth district 5 city council BACCHUS Now is not the time for on-the-job training... EXPERIENCE MATTERS! Ken served as Fifth District At-Large Councilman from 1991-1999. As Chairman of the Plans, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee, his expertise was critical to city development. He negotiated financing and development packages for job growth, business retention and expansion, and economic development policies. Ken also served as Commissioner for the City’s Redevelopment Authority and Tax Increment Financing Commissions for 15 years. Ken’s involvement in the Brush Creek Corridor Plan, stimulated urban development. His work with the Blue Parkway Boulevard Improvements and Shops on Blue Parkway led to the renovation and development of hundreds of housing units. H Create New Jobs and Businesses in the 5th District H Revitalize every Neighborhood H Demolish Abandoned and Dangerous Buildings H Implement the Prospect Corridor Redevelopment Plan H Expand Public Transportation
Jermaine district 3 city council Reed LET’S KEEP MOVING FORWARD! Jermaine was first elected in 2011 and assumed office as the youngest city council member in Kansas City history! His public/private urban landscape renewal plan helped revitalize KC’s urban core with over $200 million in investments, and serves as a model for urban centers nationwide. Councilman Reed is a member of the following committees: Public Safety and Emergency Services (Vice Chairman); Transportation and Infrastructure; Neighborhoods, Housing & Healthy Communities; and Small Business. Councilman Reed (center) celebrates the groundbreaking of the new Aldi Food Market at 39th & Prospect in 2014. H re-elect for H Re-elect for H re-elect for Continued Progress effective Leadership Safer neighborhoods • Two full-service grocery stores • Provided over 750 jobs for residents • Sponsored 120 anti-violence programs • Aggressive plan in place to demolish • Secured over $1 million in youth job training • Secured funding for community policing along the abandoned and dangerous buildings • Built and renovated over $150 million in Prospect Corridor • Improved trash/bulk-items pickup services commercial properties and residential housing Paid for by Freedom, Inc. Bruce Beatty, Treasurer. Page 4 VOTE TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 Paid Political Advertisement
at-large district at-large district Teresa city council 2 Katheryn city council 4 LOAR shields Revitalizing Inner-City A History of Working with the Neighborhoods is a Priority! inner-city Community! Teresa is a lifelong resident of Kansas City and graduate of Park University. She served Katheryn served as Councilwoman under Mayors Berkley and Cleaver where she two terms on the NKC School Board, one year as President. As a City Councilwoman, worked to protect equal rights and equal access to jobs and housing. She was elected 1995–2003, she assisted in managing and balancing the City’s $1 billion budget; three times as Jackson County Executive, where her “Asset Management” program served on the Aviation Committee, where she oversaw past improvements to KCI; resulted in better and safer roads and bridges and the restoration of the Downtown and the Neighborhood and Community Service Committee, where she formed the Courthouse. Shields focused on Crisis Management Training for police officers to Northland Neighborhoods Inc., a community development corporation that focuses make both police and civilians safer, creating a Mental Health Unit in the jail annex on neighborhood stabilization and prosperity. Loar and funding Mental Health courts to reduce recidivism. also served on the Operations Committee and the She created the plan that resulted in the renovation of Infrastructure and Public Facilities Committee. Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums and negotiated H Economic Development in the the long-term contracts that kept the Chiefs and Urban Core Royals here in KC. H H Provide Tax Increment Financing Neighborhood Renewal Over for Inner-City Projects Big-Ticket Projects H H Create and Attract Good Allocate our Tax Dollars for Jobs with a Living Wage Basic City Services H Implement Programs to Foster Safe Neighborhoods
at-large district city council 6 Scott was Vice President of the Center School Board and a COMBAT Commissioner for Jackson County’s anti-drug program. He was Chair of the first-ever KCMO Scott Small Business Committee. He advocated strong support for small “mom and pop” businesses, which in turn helped revitalize and anchor neighborhoods all over the City. He championed a microloan program for small businesses to make it easier TAYLOR for them to secure loans, start up and hire workers. To date, 154 loans have been made under this program in Kansas City and 51% of these loans have been made Re-elect an East of Troost. Advocate for H Economic Redevelopment in the Prospect Corridor Small Businesses H Safe and Prosperous Neighborhoods East of Troost! H A Living Wage for All Workers
Thriving Neighborhoods and a Vibrant City! Vote Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Paid for by Freedom, Inc. Bruce Beatty, Treasurer. Paid Political Advertisement FREEDOM, INC. Page 5
at-large district Quinton D. city council 3 L u c a s NEW LEADERSHIP! Quinton grew up in the City’s urban core. As a child, his family moved around often and at one point stayed in a motel. He did not allow these setbacks to hold him back. H Create Private-Sector Jobs and As a young man he understood the value of hard work, Job-Training Programs education, employment and perseverance in building a H successful life for himself, his family, and his community. Improve Basic Services and Public Transportation After earning his law degree from Cornell University in New York, Lucas returned home to Kansas City where he H Balance Progressive High-Dollar began working for a federal judge and practiced business Projects with Needed Basic law. At age 28, he was appointed to a law professorship Improvements at KU, making him one of the youngest law professors in H Generate Home Ownership in the the U.S. Urban Core Lucas serves on the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), Lucas responds to questions at a Freedom, Inc. breakfast where he works to support job growth and economic meeting with neighborhood leaders on March 14, 2015. development throughout the City.
at-large district 5 Lee city council Barnes MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE! Lee is a native Kansas Citian. He graduated from Central High School and earned an Engineering degree from Kansas State University. After graduation, Lee purchased and successfully managed several businesses. Today, Lee is the Director of Operations for Barnes (right) speaks with neighborhood leaders about his plans for the Swope Corridor Renaissance/Upper Room, Inc., a non-profit organization whose goal City at the Freedom, Inc. breakfast meeting in March. is to transform neighborhoods by developing educational programs, providing a child development center, and rehabilitating abandoned housing. H Support Businesses to Create New Jobs Barnes was elected At-Large to the KCMO School District Board, where he served as H Raise the Minimum Wage Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee. Lee also served on the H Reduce Crime with Innovative Strategies Tax Increment Finance Commission and is currently Chairman of the Planned Industrial H Expansion Authority (PIEA) in KC. Eliminate Blight to Increase Property Values and Revitalize Neighborhoods
Paid for by Freedom, Inc. Bruce Beatty, Treasurer. Page 6 VOTE TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 Paid Political Advertisement
Jolie district 4 city council Kevin district 6 city council JUSTUS McMANUS Champion for Our Most Renewing Hickman Mills and Vulnerable Citizens! Ruskin Neighborhoods!
Jolie served as a State Senator from Kansas City for the last eight years. During Kevin serves the 36th District (south Kansas City) in the House of Representatives. He her time at the state capitol, she was a tireless advocate for children, social justice, is chairman of the Bipartisan Caucus, which brings legislators of both parties together working families and economic growth. She passed legislation including the Justice to work on issues to benefit Kansas City. Kevin passed legislation to end the tax credit Reinvestment Act and a complete revision of the Missouri Criminal Code to make and job poaching “border war” with Kansas. He is a leading voice for transparency sure we are not just tough on crime, but we are smart on crime too. Since 2003, she has and accountability in government, swift prosecution of criminals who use firearms, served as Director of Pro Bono Services for the law firm of Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP, free health clinics, and early childhood education. Kevin serves as co-chair of the SKC where she is a champion for Kansas City’s most vulnerable citizens. Alliance’s Strategic Planning Committee and has helped lead the group’s efforts to H Make Every Neighborhood Safe, Healthy and Vibrant improve the quality of life in south Kansas City. H Sustain Economic Growth in Every Neighborhood H Safe Neighborhoods to Call Home for All Residents H Effective, Timely and Efficient City Services H Citywide Infrastructure Maintenance and Improvement H Stop Jobs and Businesses from Moving to Kansas
Message from The Mayor and former Freedom, Inc. of his opposition to equitable oppor- Councilman Jim Glover was not the nominating Board Member Virginia “Dee” Evans, tunities to elect African Americans to endorsed because of his plan to displace committee candidate for 3rd District At-Large, both the city council, his opposition to the and relocate African-American residents failed to respond to our questionnaire appointment of an African-American from the Bainbridge Apartments located To be considered for endorsement by and declined invitations to be screened. Municipal Court Judge, and his support in his district. (The plan resulted in the Freedom, Inc., a candidate must complete Consequently, we could not consider for outsourcing jobs held primarily by filing of a Fair Housing Complaint against an official questionnaire and a screen- either for endorsement. African-American women we could not him and the City.) That and his support ing interview with the Nominating Councilman Scott Wagner (1st District endorse him. for outsourcing jobs held primarily by Committee. (The Committee devoted over At-Large), was screened. But because In the 4th District At-Large, incumbent African Americans made it impossible for 40 hours to the process for this election.) us to endorse him.
Thriving Neighborhoods and a Vibrant City! Vote Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Paid for by Freedom, Inc. Bruce Beatty, Treasurer. Paid Political Advertisement FREEDOM, INC. Page 7 EMERGING leaders: OFFICIAL Ballot MUNICIPAL PRIMARY, SCHOOL & SPECIAL ELECTION Honoring the Sacrifice H TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 H By Urban Summit Young Professionals DaRon McGee & Stephanie M. Burton, Esq.
t e mayor
o no Endorsement v In 1965, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference made Selma, Alabama, the focus Councilmember At-Large 1st District of its efforts to register black voters in the South. A group of civil rights demonstrators no Endorsement attempting to march from Selma to Montgomery were attacked by law enforcement offi- Councilmember At-Large 2nd District cers with dogs, whips, night sticks and tear gas at the Edmund Pettis Bridge. This historic march led to passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. 816-483- Teresa Loar Fifty years later we are witnessing Councilmember At-Large 3rd District young African Americans being slain Quinton D. Lucas in the streets under the color of law. To prevent the injustices of Ferguson, MO, Councilmember At-Large 4th District we must elect officials who are repre- Katheryn Shields sentative of our population. Councilmember At-Large 5th District For the first time in 16 years, we have an opportunity to elect four African- Lee Barnes ll nee d a rid e? ca American city council members. The Councilmember At-Large 6th District only way to change our direction is by Scott Taylor making our voices heard at the polls President Obama’s family along with thousands march at Selma in 2015 marking the 50th anniversary. Councilmember 3rd District on Election Day–Tuesday, April 7th! As in Selma, Kansas City’s mission must include communities working collaboratively Jermaine Reed to improve the quality of life for African Americans throughout the city. Your vote in Councilmember 4th District
this election can ensure justice for the next Michael Brown. People fought and died for o th e p olls H our right to vote. By not voting we dishonor our ancestors who sacrificed their lives for Jolie Justus our future. Councilmember 5th District Kenneth Bacchus message from jackson County democratic committeeman Keith Thomas councilmember 6th District We must be mindful that every election is important and that local elections have a Kevin McManus major impact in our community. Too many people think their vote counts only when it HICKMAN MILLS C-1 SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR DIRECTOR is time to vote for the president. However, your votes in Municipal elections are crucial (vote for 2)
to the future of Kansas City. African a n d bri g t d e tach Darrell Curls “African Americans make up Americans make up nearly 70% of nearly 70% of the population the population in Ferguson, MO. Carol Graves in Ferguson, MO. But because But because they don’t vote they Question No. 1 Vote Yes they don’t vote they have no have no voice in their government. Funds from the sale of Park property (534 Highland Avenue) will be used for voice in their government.” It is our responsibility as Democratic neighborhood improvements. Committee members to promote voter registration and education. It is your responsibility to vote! We should always Question No. 2 Vote Yes vote as if our lives and our families’ lives depend on it! YOUR VOTE COUNTS – Renew fees to cover the cost for regulating payday loan businesses. PLEASE VOTE TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015! Paid for by Freedom, Inc. Bruce Beatty, Treasurer. Page 8 VOTE TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 Paid Political Advertisement
Freedom founders sign official incoporation papers in April 1962.
1963 Bruce Watkins and Dr. Earl Thomas become the first African- 1980 Lee Vertis Swinton wins election as the first African-American State American members of the Kansas City Council. They represented Senator from the Kansas City area. A record number of African the 3rd District. Americans are elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. 1964 Public accommodations ordinance passes, mandating desegre- Mary Groves Bland, Walter Peterson, Jr., Earl Pitts, Sr. and James Tindall, Sr. win election for the first time. gation in Kansas City’s public spaces. 1964 Leon Jordan and Harold Holliday, Sr. are elected to the Missouri 1982 Alan Wheat becomes the first African American to represent the Kansas City area in U.S. Congress. House of Representatives for the first time. 1966 Bruce Watkins becomes the first African American to win a coun- 1983 With Mark Bryant’s victory, the number of African-American members ty-wide election for Jackson County Circuit Court Clerk. on the City Council climbs to four. Phil Curls is elected to the Missouri State Senate. 1968 Dr. William Bryan becomes the second African American to win a county-wide office, winning the post of Jackson County Coroner. 1986 Carol Coe wins election to the Jackson County Legislature. Herman Johnson and William Carson are elected to the Missouri 1991 Rev. Emanuel Cleaver II wins election as Kansas City’s first African- House of Representatives, bringing the number of African American mayor. Five African Americans serve on the City Council. American representatives from Kansas City to four. 1995 Mayor Emanuel Cleaver II is elected to a second term. 1970 After the assassination of Leon Jordan, his widow, Orchid, is the 1998 Mary Groves Bland is elected to the Missouri State Senate–the first first African-American woman elected to the Missouri House of African-American female state senator from the Kansas City area. Representatives from Kansas City. 2004 Rev. Emanuel Cleaver II is elected to the U.S. Congress, the second 1971 Charles Hazley is elected to Kansas City Council for the first African American to represent the Kansas City area in Congress. time. FREEDOM has been at the 2008 Barack Obama is elected first African-American President of United 1972 Harold “Doc” Holliday, Jr., Mamie Hughes and Lee Vertis Swinton States are all elected to seats on the Jackson County Legislature. forefront of registering and 2011 Sylvester “Sly” James becomes the second African-American Mayor 1975 Bruce Watkins wins a seat on the Kansas City Council for the 5th mobilizing African-American of Kansas City, MO. District, bringing the number of African American members to 2012 President Barack Obama is elected to a second term. three. voters in Kansas City for over 2013 Kansas City, MO Health Levy renewed. 1976 Alan Wheat is elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. 50 years. Our community has 1979 Bruce Watkins runs for mayor, winning the primary. Although 2014 Translational Research Tax defeated - 86% to 14% in African-American Watkins lost the general election, African-American voter turnout achieved a lot, but we have wards. Dr. Amy Hartsfield and Melissa Robinson elected to KCMO reaches a record high. Rev. Emanuel Cleaver II wins a seat on School Board. Frank White and Alfred Jordan elected to Jackson much more to accomplish. County Legislature. City Council for the first time.
Paid for by Freedom, Inc. Bruce Beatty, Treasurer.