Letters: Readers discuss opportunity for people of color and compromise on J.C. Nichols

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An underlying contributor to systemic racism is the underrepresentation of Black people and other Americans of color in some of our nation’s key institutions. I believe one positive, actionable step toward addressing this would be a national program designed to recruit young people of color into careers in education and law enforcement, to connect them with mentors in those fields and to provide scholarships and college loans made forgivable with service in the field.

Without early outreach and financial assistance, these careers seem unachievable for many people of color, yet their life experiences and viewpoints are desperately needed in these social systems. A massive increase in minority presence in these professions would go a long way toward diminishing the inequity and systemic racism in these crucial programs.

Cooperation, learning and improvement come when all people have places at the table to be heard, to contribute and to make a difference. This practical proposal seems a sincere beginning.

- Paula Zimmerschied, Leavenworth

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Having grown up in Kansas City, I understand those who want to change the name of the J.C. Nichols fountain because of the racially restrictive covenants Nichols wrote into housing developments. However, I suggest there is a better alternative than simply blotting out the name of a brilliant urban planner whose innovations were widely adopted nationwide. An appropriate plaque could remind us of both Nichols’ achievements as a civic architect and his failings as a human being.

- Frank T. Manheim, Fairfax, Virginia