Short Film Spotlights Struggler's Hill
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Soldiers and civilians relax at the WPA recreation center for servicemen and defense workers in Kansas City, early 1940s. Image courtesy of the Kansas Historical Society.
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In the late 1800s, Wyandotte County was a destination for African-Americans from the South searching for new opportunities in the post-Civil War era. Persevering through hardships, these settlers quickly established schools and churches. They built houses and businesses too. By the 1920s, the area was flourishing and included a neighborhood called Struggler's Hill, between 9th and 13th Streets, Freeman Avenue and Washington Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas.
Delano Lewis, former Ambassador to South Africa, was a resident of Struggler's Hill. As was George Haley, US Postal Rate Commissioner and Kansas State Senator. Even author Alex Haley (Roots) found inspiration through his "Cousin Georgia," also a Struggler's Hill resident. Struggler's Hill: A People, A Community is a short film that tells the story of the neighborhood through interviews from current and former Struggler's Hill residents. Produced by the Northeast Cooperative Council and filmmaker Jefferson Edward Donald, the short film will premiere Saturday, December 3 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kansas City Community College Performing Arts Center. A discussion with follow the film. More information can be found here or on the Struggler's Hill Facebook page. Struggler's Hill: A People, A Community is supported by a KHC Humanities grant. |
