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Opinion

Watch: Roland family of KC Northland talks about racism, then an outpouring of love

By Melinda Henneberger and Toriano Porter

Maureen and Jamari Roland moved to the Northland, and the biracial couple soon ran into shocking racist taunts they hadn’t encountered anywhere else they’d lived. But after shared their story with The Star’s Melinda Henneberger, Kansas Citians showed that love rules the day. They join us live to talk about what they’ve learned about their neighbors.

This story was originally published September 3, 2020 at 3:50 PM.

Profile Image of Melinda Henneberger
Melinda Henneberger
Opinion Contributor,
The Kansas City Star
Melinda Henneberger was The Star’s metro columnist and a member of its editorial board until August 2025. She won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 2022 and was a Pulitzer finalist for commentary in 2021, for editorial writing in 2020 and for commentary in 2019. 
Profile Image of Toriano Porter
Toriano Porter
Opinion Contributor,
The Kansas City Star
816-234-4779
Toriano Porter is an opinion writer and member of The Star’s editorial board. He’s received statewide, regional and national recognition for reporting since joining McClatchy in 2012.
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