Five ways Kansas City showcases community pride

Kansas City demonstrates deep community pride in many ways. At the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend, stars like Jason Sudeikis and Paul Rudd spotlight their hometown’s warmth while rallying support for Children’s Mercy hospital.

The city embraces diversity by celebrating LGBTQ rights at the colorful Pride Parade and uplifting individuals, such as Janay Reliford, who leads local reparations efforts. Events like the World Cup are used to open up sports opportunities for children of all backgrounds, and campaigns led by the Midwest Transplant Network promote organ donation, showing compassion and teamwork. Each story highlights how Kansas Citians unite to help each other and make the community stronger.

NO. 1: ORGAN DONORS GIVE HOPE AND LIFE TO OTHERS. KANSAS CITY, HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP | OPINION

Last year, Midwest Transplant Network helped 488 kidneys, 218 livers, 107 hearts, 148 lungs, 22 pancreases and five intestines find their way to recipients in need. | Published April 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jeff Goble

Janay Reliford, who chairs the Kansas City Reparations Coalition, spoke at the Black Archives of Mid-America, a couple months ago. She spends a lot of time around the city educating people about why reparations for Black residents is important and needed. By Susan Pfannmuller

NO. 2: THE EMPOWERING STORY OF A KANSAS CITY TEEN MOM WHO BECAME A VOICE FOR BLACK REPARATIONS

“I don’t see how anybody can continue to not be for reparations if they really have an understanding of the journey that African Americans have had.” | Published May 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mará Rose Williams

Big Slick co-hosts Jason Sudeikis, left, and Rob Riggle spoke about the fundraiser and their love for Kansas City at a Friday morning press conference at Children’s Mercy Research Institute. By HG Biggs

NO. 3: JASON SUDEIKIS, PAUL RUDD, HEIDI GARDNER SHARE WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT KC AND BIG SLICK

“Did I land in Utopia?” said Jason Sudeikis. “No, it’s Kansas City.” | Published May 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

Hunny Bunches of Oates of the City of Fountain Sisters, modern order of 21st century queer nuns, has a selfie taken with David Shelton of Planned Parenthood Great Plains at the KC Pride Parade on Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Kansas City. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 4: ‘BABY, WE’RE GONNA PREVAIL’: KANSAS CITIANS CELEBRATE QUEER COMMUNITY AT PRIDE PARADE

“Everybody is so true to themselves and they’re so brave, it’s really a community where you can be yourself, and that’s the most important thing.” | Published June 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Noelle Alviz-Gransee

NO. 5: HOW THE WORLD CUP CAN GIVE KANSAS CITY KIDS MORE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY SPORTS | OPINION

More physical activity means better health and personal development. | Opinion | Published September 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Solomon

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.