Civil Rights activists honored as 100 names placed on Kansas City monument

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Community members came together to honor Civil Rights activists in the past and present of Jackson County, Missouri, as 100 names were added to a historic monument.

Jackson County, Missouri, Legislator Venessa Huskey has announced that the names of those who have made significant contributions to Civil Rights in the area were added to the Monument to Freedom, Justice & Courage during the Honoree Celebration & Recognition Ceremony.

Huskey noted that the event took place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Leon Jordan Memorial Park, 31st and Benton Blvd.

The Legislator indicated that the monument has space for 500 memorial plaques – a total of 1,000 honorees. Up to 100 individuals are chosen to be added to the monument each year. It was erected in 2014. This year was also the third installment of names.

Community leaders said the Leon Jordan Memorial Statue is believed to be the first public monument built in honor of an African-American leader in the Show-Me State. It is also the first public monument to be designed and built by an African American artist in Missouri.

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