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Celebrating Black History Month

February 16, 2023

February 16, 2023

A Message from Gail

Greetings Friends,

At Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL), we remain committed to our mission, to protect and promote the well-being of children. As part of that mission, we acknowledge the effects structural racism and discrimination have on children’s ability to grow up happy, healthy and prepared to succeed. We know from research and through our work every day with families that minorities have a disproportionate rate of trauma. While it is important to recognize the hardships faced by families we serve, we should also reflect on positive progress being made.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month, which is a great time to recognize the accomplishments and contributions Black people have made in our state and nation. In Kansas, we celebrate Black innovators like Janelle Monae, Barry Sanders, Gordon Parks, Langston Hughes and George Washington Carver, an American agricultural scientist whose methods to prevent soil depletion are still used today. Even our state’s past is rich in significant events in Black history. Slavery was vehemently battled in Kansas from the 1850s to 1860s, an era known as “Bleeding Kansas.” Ultimately, anti-slavery activists won making Kansas a free state. While Kansas has made great strides to ensure people of color have equal opportunities to be successful, there is still more work to be done.

What we Stand for

KCSL continues to denounce racism, discrimination and oppression. With 130 years of service in Kansas, we help children and families without regard to race, creed, ethnicity or sexuality. Children deserve safe, stable, nurturing relationships AND environments to be successful. KCSL believes children have the best chance of success when they can stay in their own home and community with access to their cultural heritage.  

In conclusion, I hope you’ll find time during this month to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans in our state, country and around the world. By doing our part to celebrate diversity and Black history, we can be a part of building a better Kansas where children and families thrive.  

Sincerely,

Gail signature

Gail Cozadd

KCSL CEO