AN ERA OF RIGHTS: KANSAS CITY’S STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The University of Missouri—Kansas City (UMKC) Center for Digital and Public Humanities and the Kansas City Public Library (KCPL) are soliciting proposals for articles examining myriad social justice movements in Kansas City from the post-World War II era to the end of the 20th century.
The city and surrounding region were fertile ground for challenges to entrenched legal, cultural, and political systems. Local and national activists fought for racial equality, educational access, and broader human rights, shaping a diverse legacy of resistance.
Legal advocates pushed to dismantle segregation in schools, parks, and public accommodations. At the same time, LGBTQ+ organizers launched national networks from Kansas City, Native American communities established self-determined social service institutions, and Latinx students demanded bilingual and culturally relevant education. These efforts demonstrate how Kansas City became a contested and transformative space for building equity across race, gender, and class lines.
We welcome contributions from scholars, community researchers, public historians, and cultural workers.
Instructions for Submissions
The symposium welcomes submissions from:
● Scholars, Researchers, Public Historians, Authors, Community Members, Kansas City Activists and/or their Descendants, Students, Artists, and Creative Writers
Proposed Dates:
● Paper Workshop: April 22-24, 2026
● Public Symposium: November 10-12, 2026
Submission Details:
● Format: A one-page abstract (500 words single-spaced) with working title; brief C.V. or resume.
● Honoraria will be provided for contributors to both the website and volume.
We will offset travel expenses to the workshop and symposium for those involved in the volume project.
● Contact/submission instructions: Please address proposals and inquiries to: kcmc@umkc.edu. Be sure to put An Era of Rights in the subject.
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