IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION recognizing the National Black United Front - Kansas City Chapter on its 43 years of service to the Jackson County community.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21865, February 19, 2025
INTRODUCED BY Venessa Huskey, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, the National Black United Front - Kansas City Chapter (NBUFKC) was established in October 1981, and October 2024 signified the 43rd anniversary of its founding; and,
WHEREAS, NBUF-KC has consistently led numerous initiatives related to African-centered education, reparations, global matters, economic justice, electoral politics, the liberation of Black women, the criminal justice system, youth development, and political education; and,
WHEREAS, NBUFKC over the years has earned the respect of Kansas City's Black community, establishing a reputation for its integrity and unwavering dedication to the liberation of African people; and,
WHEREAS, NBUFKC has hosted six National Black United Front conventions in Kansas City, in which seven members - Leon Dixon, Samori Toure, Sandra Dean, Ajamu Webster, Mickey Dean, Tashia Brooks and Shafeeqa Small have received the prestigious Maurice Bishop Pan African Heroes and Heroines Award, given each year to a member of NBUF for outstanding service to the Black Liberation Movement; and,
WHEREAS, NBUFKC has been actively engaged in various projects, notably playing a key role in the establishment of the We Development Credit Union, which commenced operations last year; this initiative provides a financial institution for individuals in the African community who are currently unbanked; and,
WHEREAS, NBUFKC developed the Black In Love initiative to encourage healthy relationships between African men and women and sponsors the Simba Na Falami mentor programs for African youth; and,
WHEREAS, NBUFKC initiated the Weekend of the Malkia, a tribute to the tremendous role that African women play in the Black liberation movement; and,
WHEREAS, NBUFKC has been conducting a monthly community forum since 1989, providing a platform for community members to convene and address significant issues affecting African people globally; and,
WHEREAS, NBUFKC has established many traditions and holidays on the local level, sponsoring the Annual Citywide Kwanzaa celebration, the Umoja Karamu (Unity Feast), and in 2020 sponsored the first RBG Motorcade in honor of the anniversary of the Red, Black and Green flag; and,
WHEREAS, NBUFKC has been instrumental in establishing the Kansas City Anti-Apartheid Network, an organization that spearheaded the Free South Africa initiative within the Kansas City area; and,
WHEREAS, NBUFKC has participated in international conferences on the African continent and in other places such as Granada, Libya and Cuba supporting liberation movements in Africa, Central America, the Caribbean and Palestine continuing efforts to link our struggle with the struggles of all oppressed people who struggle against world-wide imperialism; and,
WHEREAS, NBUFKC has demonstrated its commitment to education throughout its 43-year existence, with its work for the establishment of African centered education; and,
WHEREAS, NBUFKC members have engaged in various district-wide matters concerning the education of Black children, with three of its members holding positions on the Kansas City Public School Board of Directors, as well as serving as classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff; and,
WHEREAS, NBUFKC members have served on the City Council of Kansas City and in the Missouri State Legislature; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Jackson County Legislature would like to recognize the legacy, continued work, and dedication of The Black United Front of Kansas City Chapter and its members for their years of devotion and commitment to the African community of Jackson County.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21865 of February 19, 2025, was duly passed on February 24, 2025 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas ______9___________ Nays ____0_______
Abstaining ____0_______ Absent ____0________
______________________ ______________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature