Community

By Chara Part I of a National Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration series One of most respected leaders of the Hispanic community is perhaps best known for fighting for farm workers’ rights and his passion for education. His name: Cesar Chavez. Born on March 31, 1927, in Yuma, Arizona, Chavez faced discrimination and lived in poverty while growing up. He didn’t …

By Angie Baldelomar In 2017, Sophia Dominguez-Heithoff won the Miss Teen USA 2017 title. And ever since she entered the spotlight, the Kansas City, Missouri, native has taken advantage of her platform to advocate for the causes she holds dear. One of those causes is organ donation. As a registered organ and tissue donor, Dominguez-Heithoff is part of the Midwest …

By Angie Baldelomar The Carlsen Center recently welcomed Kara Armstrong as its new Arts Education program director. Based at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) in Overland Park, Kansas, the Carlsen Center presents one of the largest multidisciplinary performing arts series in the region. The Arts Education program presents youth performances that cultivate future audiences, learning opportunities to impact teaching practices …

By Angie Baldelomar In August, the death of a 9-year-old in Colorado made headlines. Denver police officers said the boy had died by suicide days after starting the fourth grade. His mother said she thought bullying was a factor in his death, especially after coming out as gay. Experts claim that bullying and suicide are closely related. A U.S. Centers …

Story by Angie Baldelomar and photos by Clara Reyes On Sept. 8, Our Lady of Unity Parish held its eighth annual Unity Fest on the field of the school grounds. Weather conditions during the days leading up to the event caused some people to wonder if it would take place. Organizer Virginia Oropeza said she received calls from people requesting …

By Angie Baldelomar Juan Carlos Soria, a 35-year-old Kansas City area resident, vividly remembers the one time he got physically bullied. It was some time in middle school. Soria was walking from the store back to his house after getting groceries. He was carrying a gallon of milk and two cans of concentrated milk. Then, four guys surrounded him. They …

By Angie Baldelomar From Aug. 17 to 19, the Kansas City area’s cultural diversity was showcased during the 39th annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival. The culture of countries from around the world was represented with dancing, food and music at Swope Park. Formed by the Ethnic Enrichment Commission, the first festival was a one-day event in June 1980 on the Liberty …

By Angie Baldelomar Karen Hopson has started her first academic year as the principal at Holy Cross Catholic School in Overland Park, Kansas. Hopson, who grew up in Lenexa, has been involved in education for 28 years, including 11 years in the classroom. She served as a principal at Our Lady of Unity; in the Xavier Catholic School system in …

Bonner Springs, KS (Sept. 1, 2018) – It’s that time of the year again! The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is kicking off the season with Buccaneer Beer Fest. Visit our new Battle Axe Pub or our new Bloody Mary Bar. Shake hands with the new Giant Puppet Troupe or experience the new Bourbon and Whiskey tasting. Join the fun and …

Story and photos by Angie Baldelomar Open Spaces 2018 is underway. The nine-week arts experience opened on Aug. 25 at the Village in Swope Park, starting with a performance from the StoneLion Puppet Theatre, a Kansas City area theater company focused on providing high-quality local children’s theater. After the performance that entertained children and adults alike, people behind the idea, …