Black History Tour of Kansas City’s Fountains and Memorials
Being a lover of all things Kansas City—the stories, the history, and the cultural influences that have shaped our city—I love to go out and explore! To celebrate Black History Month, I embarked on a few days of research at home and then put together my own self-guided Black history tour of Kansas City. My goal was to experience firsthand how our community has been shaped by the contributions of African American leaders, and how these memorials and historical landmarks continue to tell their stories.
After creating my route, I made myself a big glass of iced tea, created my stops in my Google Maps and set off!
I started my journey at Leon M. Jordan Memorial Park, where I reflected on the political powerhouse Jordan was, fighting for Black political representation in Kansas City.
I then stopped by Satchel Paige’s Home to reflect on his historic contributions to baseball and Kansas City history.
And then, because I had to, I visited the old Municipal Stadium site, where the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues once played.
Continuing my journey, I visited the Bernard Powell Memorial Fountain, honoring a civil rights advocate who fought for youth empowerment and community improvement.
Wrapping up my tour, I stood in awe at the Spirit of Freedom Fountain, a testament to the resilience and contributions of Kansas City’s Black leaders.
Stop 1: Leon M. Jordan: A Trailblazer for Political Power
Address: 31st St & Benton Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64128
Leon Jordan dedicated his life to empowering Black Kansas Citians through political representation. A former police lieutenant and international law enforcement advisor, he co-founded Freedom, Inc. in 1962, an organization that mobilized Black voters and fought against racial segregation. His work led to increasing black voter registration, the election of numerous Black officials and the passage of groundbreaking civil rights policies.
Tragically, his life was cut short in 1970 when he was assassinated outside his Green Duck Tavern, a central meeting place for Freedom, Inc. Despite this, his influence remains strong. His legacy is honored through the Leon Jordan Memorial Park & Police Station and a post office named in his honor.
To dive deeper into his story, watch A Legacy of Leadership.
Stop 2: Satchel Paige: A Legend of Baseball and Kansas City
Address: 2626 E 28th St, Kansas City, MO 64127
One of the most iconic figures to emerge from the Negro Leagues was Leroy “Satchel” Paige, a larger-than-life pitcher whose career spanned decades. Paige was known for his showmanship, pinpoint accuracy, and incredible longevity—pitching well into his 50s. He was a key player for the Kansas City Monarchs, leading them to multiple Negro League World Series titles. His dominance on the mound made him one of the most famous athletes of his time, drawing massive crowds wherever he played.
In 1948, Paige made history as the first African American pitcher in the American League, signing with the Cleveland Indians and helping them win the World Series. His impact on baseball was profound, proving that Negro League players were more than capable of competing at the highest level.
Paige’s legacy is celebrated at Satchel Paige’s Home which serves as a historic landmark, and at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108), where visitors can learn more about his career and the broader history of Black baseball. His contributions to the sport and to Kansas City’s history remain an essential part of the city’s cultural fabric.
Special note: I read Paige’s autobiography, “Maybe I’ll Pitch Forever” to gain some perspective of him. If you are a reader, I encourage you to pick up this amazingly poignant and funny book either at the KCPublic Library or wherever you get your book fix.
Stop 3: Monarch Plaza
Former site of Municipal Stadium: The Negro Leagues and Their Significance to Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium
Address: 22nd St & Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127
Kansas City played a pivotal role in the history of Black baseball, serving as the home of the Kansas City Monarchs, one of the most successful teams in the Negro Leagues. The Monarchs played at Municipal Stadium which was a historic site for Black baseball. The team was known for developing legendary players, innovating the game with portable lighting for night games, and contributing to the desegregation of Major League Baseball.
Municipal Stadium was more than just a ballpark—it was a gathering place for the Black community during segregation, where fans could take pride in the incredible talent of players who were often denied opportunities in the Major Leagues. The success of the Monarchs and the excitement surrounding Negro League baseball helped pave the way for the integration of baseball, leading to Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947. Today, visitors can still explore this history at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Monarch Manor Memorial Plaza Development
Kansas City Monarchs and Municipal Stadium
Stop 4: Bernard Powell: Champion for Youth and Community Empowerment
Address: 2801 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64109
Bernard Powell believed that young people held the key to change. Born in 1947, he became involved in civil rights activism at an early age and participated in the historic Selma-to-Montgomery March. After Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, Powell took action by forming the Social Action Committee of 20 (SAC-20), an organization dedicated to training young Black leaders and improving economic conditions in their communities.
His phrase, “Ghetto or Goldmine – The Choice Is Yours,” encouraged individuals to see the potential in their neighborhoods. In 1979, his life was tragically cut short at age 32 outside of the East Side Social Club, but his impact lives on through the Bernard Powell Memorial Fountain.
To learn more about his legacy, watch Bernard Powell Memorial Fountain in KCMO.
Stop 5: Bruce R. Watkins: A Political Trailblazer and Cultural Advocate
Address: 2801 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64109
Bruce R. Watkins was a tireless advocate for civil rights and political representation in Kansas City. In 1963, he made history as the first African American elected to Kansas City’s City Council, where he fought for fair housing, equal employment opportunities, and public accommodations for African Americans. His work was instrumental in ensuring the passage of the 1964 Public Accommodations Ordinance, which helped desegregate businesses and other public spaces.
Watkins was also a visionary leader in preserving and promoting Black heritage in Kansas City. His dedication led to the creation of the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center (3700 Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64130), which celebrates African American contributions in the region through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.
His legacy is further commemorated through the Spirit of Freedom Fountain. Designed by renowned Black sculptor Richard Hunt, the abstract metallic fountain serves as a tribute to the resilience and strength of the African American community in Kansas City.
To learn more about Watkins’ impact, watch:
Missouri Untold: The Legacy of Bruce R. Watkins
Spirit of Freedom Fountain in Kansas City
Take the Tour and Honor Kansas City’s Black History
Kansas City’s Black history is deeply woven into the fabric of the city. Each of these memorials, parks, and cultural centers serves as a reminder of the perseverance and achievements of Black leaders who fought for justice, equality, and progress. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, I encourage you to explore these sites and honor the legacies of the men and women who shaped our city’s history.
Plan your own Black history tour and visit these must-see landmarks:
– Leon Jordan Memorial Park & Police Station (31st St & Benton Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64128)
– Municipal Stadium Site (22nd St & Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127)
– Satchel Paige’s Home (2626 E 28th St, Kansas City, MO 64127)
– Bernard Powell Memorial Fountain (2801 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64109)
– Spirit of Freedom Fountain (Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd & Cleveland Ave, Kansas City, MO 64130)
– Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center (3700 Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64130)
– Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108)
These sites stand as powerful tributes to the struggles, victories, and contributions of Kansas City’s Black community. Take the tour, be inspired, and honor their lasting impact.
