Gov. Laura Kelly proclaims cultural, spiritual and political significance of Black History Month

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly said Kansas was shaped by Black leaders who challenged injustice, expanded opportunity and changed the course of history.

In a Capitol rotunda speech Monday honoring Black History Month, the Democratic governor pointed with pride to contributions of photographer, author and filmmaker Gordon Parks, who was born in Fort Scott. He used a camera to redefine American photography and film, she said.

Kelly celebrated members of the Brown family in Topeka who were integral to a lawsuit that led to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down school segregation. She highlighted Langston Hughes, the poet, social activist, novelist and playwright who lived much of his childhood in Lawrence.

“Today, Black Kansans continue that legacy, leading in education, government, business and advocacy to build a stronger and more inclusive future,” she said.

She mentioned Tiffany Anderson, the first Black woman to serve as superintendent of Topeka public schools; Jeanna Repass, the first Black chair of the Kansas Democratic Party; Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, the first Black woman elected to the state Senate; Nedra Barnes, an artist who preserves Black history through quilting and storytelling; and Sen. David Haley, a member of the Kansas Legislature for 30 years.

“Kansas has long been home to history makers and change makers,” Kelly said. “We must honor that legacy, not just with celebration, but with action. For my administration, action has meant building an inclusive government.”

Kelly said she dedicated herself to appointing the most diverse slate of judges in the state’s history. That roster included Jacy Hurst, who was the first Black woman to serve on the Kansas Court of Appeals.

When Kelly took office, 63% of people serving on state boards and commissions were men. She said the imbalance had shifted so women were closer to parity and held 45% of executive branch posts.

She said Juneteenth, the celebration of the end of slavery, became a federal holiday in 2021 and Kansas designated it a statewide holiday last year.

“Let me be clear,” Kelly said. “My administration has never viewed lifting up communities and building diverse coalitions as a political exercise. It’s not about labels. It’s about fairness. It is about what is right.”

Kelly signed a proclamation in recognition of February as Black History Month, which she said respected the resilience of Black Kansans and their contributions to the state’s economic, cultural, spiritual and political development.

“Honoring Black history cannot be confined to February,” she said. “It must be reflected in policy, leadership and action every day.”