KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KCTV) — Community members came together to honor civil rights activists past and present in Jackson County, Missouri by adding 100 names to a historical monument.
Venessa Huskey, Representative from Jackson County, Missouri, announced that the names of those who made significant contributions to the civil rights movement in the region were added to the Monument to Freedom, Justice and Courage during the Honors and Recognition Ceremony.
Huskey noted that the event will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 24, at Leon Jordan Memorial Park, 31st and Benton Blvd.
Lawmakers said the memorial has space for 500 plaques – a total of 1,000 honorees. Each year, up to 100 people are selected to be added to the memorial. It was erected in 2014. This year also marked the third time names have been added.
Community leaders said the Leon Jordan Memorial Statue is believed to be the first public monument erected to honor an African-American leader in the Show-Me State. It is also the first public monument designed and built by an African-American artist in Missouri.
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