Pioneers [KS]

Kansas. Home to such extremists as Kris Kobach, John Brown (well, not so much), and the Koch brothers. But as we were set straight again by the Park Service, Kansas was also fertile ground for advances by African Americans.

Brown v Board, Topeka, KS. Legal short hand for the Supreme Court decision that technically abolished separate but equal accommodations. Practically, what it did was push racism underground; until the current administration.

The small town of Nicodemus, KS was established by former slaves fleeing post-Civil War oppression in Kentucky. It's a heartening story of generations of African Americans overcoming a harsh environment and thriving. Unfortunately, as with many rural towns it withered as young people left for better jobs.Läs mer