Echoes Of The City KC

05/01/2026

What you believe about yourself matters more than you think.

Because your thoughts don’t just stay in your head…
they show up in your decisions, your confidence, and your actions.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, small, or unsure—
it might not be your situation…

it might be what you’ve been feeding your mind.

You don’t have to accept every thought you think.
And you definitely don’t have to live limited by it.

Choose differently. Think differently. Move differently.

04/29/2026

History Wednesdays with Professor Wilmore 🛣️

Ever wondered why 71 Highway curves the way it does near 25th and Paseo in Kansas City, Missouri?

Part of that story traces back to Paseo Baptist Church and the legacy of Daniel Arthur Holmes, also known as D.A. Holmes.

The son of formerly enslaved parents, Holmes went on to earn three degrees and served as pastor for 46 years. His impact reached far beyond the church walls. He worked toward integrating University of Missouri and played a key role in helping Lincoln University expand and relocate its programs.

His legacy was so strong, a school was named in his honor — a place that now stands today as the D.A. Holmes Senior Apartments.
And in a surprising twist of history, that same school is believed to be where Walt Disney once sketched an early version of Mickey Mouse in the margins of a textbook.
From highways to history, this is a reminder that the city is shaped by the people who came before us.

Thank you for tuning in to History Wednesdays with Professor Wilmore on Echoes of the City, where we continue to highlight the stories that shape Kansas City. 🛣️

04/27/2026

Some voices are heard.
Others are felt.

Kansas City has produced many but this one carries weight.

A voice shaped by faith.
Refined through adversity.
Called to something greater.

This isn’t just a story about poetry…
It’s about purpose. It’s about impact. It’s about legacy.

🎬 Echoes of the City: The Roots & Rise presents the story of Glenn North.

A voice that became a movement.
A movement that made space for others to rise.

✨ Now LIVE on YouTube👇🏾

https://youtu.be/vD1L_CDB0wg

04/23/2026

History Wednesdays with Professor Wilmore 📍

Today, we’re taking a closer look at the history behind a name many know, but few fully understand.

Johnson County, Kansas is named after Thomas Johnson, a Methodist minister and founder of the Shawnee Methodist Mission.

Established in the early 1800s, the mission served as a boarding school for Native Americans who had been forcibly relocated to Kansas in 1825. It was part of a larger effort to assimilate Indigenous communities during a difficult and unjust period in American history.

Johnson himself was also a slaveholder and played a role in efforts to make Kansas a slave state. After the American Civil War began, the mission closed. Johnson later moved to Kansas City, Missouri, near 35th and Agnes.

In 1865, he was killed under unclear circumstances, with accounts suggesting either bushwhackers or a robbery gone wrong. History holds both legacy and complexity. Understanding it fully helps us see how the past continues to shape the present.

Thank you for tuning in to History Wednesdays with Professor Wilmore on Echoes of the City, where we bring context to the places and stories around us.
📍

04/16/2026

History Wednesdays with Professor Wilmore ⛳

Today, we’re stepping onto the greens of Kansas City, Missouri where history was made long before it was recognized.

Back in the 1920s, Black golfers were already playing the game on a potato farm owned by Junius G. Groves, known as the “Potato King.” Out of that came a brotherhood, the Heart of America Golf Club.

By the 1930s, golf at Swope Park Golf Course was segregated. Two courses, but Black players were only allowed on one and only on Mondays.

Then came March 1950.
Reuben Benton, George Johnson, Sylvester Johnson, and Leroy Doty, known as the foursome, walked onto Course No. 1, placed their money on the counter, and played.
Just like that, they integrated the course.

But it didn’t come easy.
Tires were slashed. Tension was real. So the foursome became five, taking turns watching the cars while the others played, determined to hold their ground.

Over time, the game and the city began to change. Course No. 2 would go on to become home to the Heart of America Golf Course and the Tom Watson Golf Academy.
This is more than golf. This is courage, strategy, and quiet resistance.

Thank you for tuning in to History Wednesdays with Professor Wilmore on Echoes of the City, where we continue to highlight the stories that shaped Kansas City.
⛳

04/09/2026

History Wednesdays with Professor Wilmore

Today, we’re highlighting a powerful legacy rooted right here in Missouri.
Hiram Young was once enslaved in Tennessee, but after gaining his freedom in 1850, he made his way to Missouri and began building something greater than himself.
A skilled craftsman, Young built wagons marked with his initials — and his work was so respected, he became one of the wealthiest men in the county.

During the American Civil War, he relocated to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was connected to Hiram Revels — the first Black member of the U.S. Senate.

When Young returned to Independence, Missouri, rebuilding wasn’t easy. But the community came together, raising funds to help him start again.
Out of that restoration came legacy:
• He helped build St. Paul’s AME Church
• He contributed to the founding of the first school for Black children in Independence, later known as the Frederick Douglass School — eventually renamed in his honor
When Hiram Young passed in 1882, he was laid to rest in the white section of Woodlawn Cemetery — a powerful reflection of the impact he carried in his lifetime.

This is more than history… this is legacy, resilience, and community.
Thank you for tuning in to History Wednesdays with Professor Wilmore on Echoes of the City — where we continue to highlight the stories that shaped us.

03/31/2026

Honoring Women’s History Month with the Pillars of Black Wealth

At Echoes of the City KC, storytelling is how we preserve legacy, amplify voices, and shape the future of our community. Through our work, we highlight the five pillars of holistic wealth: mental, physical, time, social, and financial wealth.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are lifting up powerful women whose voices echo through our city and whose work strengthens the well-being of our community.

Today we spotlight Marisha Gaines, who teaches with Restorative Yoga and Inner Space Yoga. Through her work, Risha creates space for stillness, reflection, and healing, helping others reconnect with themselves in meaningful and intentional ways.

In this moment, Risha speaks on the importance of mental wealth through her message: “Return to yourself, one breath at a time.” She reminds us that healing is not always rushed or dramatic. Sometimes it is found in slowing down, taking one step at a time, and giving ourselves permission to come back to who we are.

Through her voice, she encourages us to make room for peace, restoration, and the inner work that supports a healthy mind and whole life.

At Echoes of the City, we believe wealth is more than money. It is peace, healing, self-awareness, and the ability to nurture ourselves from the inside out.

Listen to Risha’s perspective on Mental Wealth and join us as we continue honoring women whose voices and work echo throughout Kansas City.

Roots remembered. Rise activated.

03/31/2026

Honoring Women’s History Month with the Pillars of Black Wealth

At Echoes of the City KC, storytelling is how we preserve legacy, amplify voices, and build stronger communities. Through this work, we highlight the pillars of holistic wealth, including the power of social wealth.

Today we spotlight Addis Sharpe, founder of Kansas Autism Mom and owner of Sharp Solutions. Through her journey, she has built a thriving community of over 700 women, creating a space rooted in support, trust, and shared experience.

In this moment, Addis reminds us that community is more than connections, it’s care, understanding, and showing up for one another in real ways. What started as a desire to not walk alone has grown into a powerful network where women find resources, opportunities, and genuine relationships.

Her story is a reminder that when we open up, we make room for others to meet us there. And in the right spaces, connection can lead to healing, collaboration, and purpose.

At Echoes of the City, we believe wealth is not just what you have, it’s who you have. It’s the community that supports you, the rooms that stretch you, and the people who remind you that you don’t have to do life alone.

Listen to Addis’s perspective on Social Wealth and join us as we continue honoring women whose voices and work echo throughout Kansas City.

Roots remembered. Rise activated.

03/31/2026

Honoring Women’s History Month with the Pillars of Black Wealth

At Echoes of the City KC, storytelling is how we preserve legacy, amplify voices, and shape the future of our community. Through our work, we highlight the five pillars of holistic wealth: mental, physical, time, social, and financial wealth.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are lifting up powerful women whose voices echo through our city and whose work strengthens the well-being of our community.

Today we spotlight June Northern, Founder of Northern Consulting Services, licensed life insurance producer, and notary. Through her work, June helps individuals and families prepare, organize, and protect what matters most.

In this moment, June speaks on the importance of financial wealth with her message: “Get your affairs in order. Protect what you build.” She reminds us that building is only part of the journey, true responsibility comes with making sure what we’ve created is secured and sustained.

Through her voice, she encourages us to be intentional, prepared, and proactive when it comes to planning for the future.

At Echoes of the City, we believe wealth is more than money. It is protection, stewardship, preparation, and the decisions we make today to safeguard tomorrow.

Listen to June’s perspective on Financial Wealth and join us as we continue honoring women whose voices and work echo throughout Kansas City.

Roots remembered. Rise activated.

03/31/2026

03/31/2026

Honoring Women’s History Month with the Pillars of Black Wealth

At Echoes Of The City KC, storytelling is how we preserve legacy, amplify voices, and shape the future of our community. Through our work, we highlight the five pillars of holistic wealth: mental, physical, time, social, and financial wealth.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are lifting up powerful women whose voices echo through our city and whose work strengthens the well-being of our community.

Today we spotlight Nicki Jones, Founder and CEO of NickiFit. Through her work, Nicki is committed to helping individuals prioritize their health, build discipline, and create sustainable lifestyles rooted in strength and consistency.

In this moment, Nicki speaks on the importance of physical wealth, reminding us that your health fuels everything else. The way we care for our bodies directly impacts our energy, focus, and ability to show up fully in every area of our lives.

Through her voice, she encourages us to make intentional choices that support our well-being, knowing that a strong foundation physically allows us to build and sustain everything else.

At Echoes of the City, we believe wealth is more than money. It is health, energy, discipline, and the ability to show up fully for the life we are building.

Listen to Nicki’s perspective on Physical Wealth and join us as we continue honoring women whose voices and work echo throughout Kansas City.

Roots remembered. Rise activated.