The Story Continues
Even before emancipation, African Americans in Liberty worked together to create strong foundations to serve their community. Throughout the 20th century and beyond, they built a society focused on faith, family, and education that led to the formation of Garrison School and the establishment of Black businesses throughout the county. While most newspapers during this time predominantly profiled stories of the white community, there are some that shared the achievements of African Americans. Liberty resident Julia Byrd Drake saved hundreds of newspaper clippings featuring notable mentions of members of the Black community and saved them in scrapbooks, preserving these mostly forgotten stories. With some dated as early as the 1960s, several of the clippings do not include where she got the articles from, but based on her notes, we can determine that most came from The Liberty Tribune, The Liberty Shopper News, The Call, or The Kansas City Sun Liberty Edition. Her priceless collection shows that in spite of the unjust beginnings in Liberty, the tireless efforts of these African Americans resulted in a resilient community, full of celebration and service to others.
A multiracial group of about 100 persons gathered Monday on the steps of the old Clay County Courthouse on the Liberty Square to commemorate the birthday of slain civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hand-in-hand, singing “We Shall Overcome”, they marched to Liberty Junior High School and back to the square. Already a national holiday in King’s honor, Monday was declared “Martin Luther King Jr. Day” in Liberty by Mayor Glenna Todd. Marchers include: Ron Hardy, Theresa and Albert Byrd, Doris and Milton Taylor, Mary and Sam Houston, Shelton Ponder, Betty Dodd, and Sandy Crawford.
Mrs. Aileen Gans (left) and Miss Marion Pearley (right)
Members of the Saint Luke A.M.E. Church, 441 N. Main, gathered this week to prepare for a 100th anniversary celebration after Sunday’s sermon.
MARRIED 50 YEARS - Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence “China” Slaughter of Liberty, MO., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday, Sept. 14, with a reception from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Franklin elementary school in Liberty. Friends and relatives are invited.
The Garrison School reunion and parade was held Saturday. The parade wound down Main to the square and returned to the school via Water St.
The Liberty Square was crowded with Garrison School graduates Saturday afternoon, who turned out for the parade as part of the festivities during the bi-annual Garrison School reunion.
The Garrison School parade and reunion brought a lot of history in Liberty’s Black community Saturday but the parade was enjoyed as much by the youngsters for the fun of it all.
The flags were unfurled Saturday on Main St. when the Black community held the Garrison School reunion and parade. The school, which dated back to the days of segregation, drew many of its friends and alumni who have gone on to many fields and locations.
Church leader Ed Cathy was one of many speakers including Liberty Mayor Glenna Todd who spoke at the dedication ceremony.
A crowd of over 80 people braved a cold afternoon to witness an ancient Masonic ritual for laying of a cornerstone.
Sixty house guests for the Mitchell family reunion doesn’t ruffle Ed Cathy in the least. He hosted the event with his usual calm demeanor and wry smile.
Ed Cathy had a few guests over on Sunday, about 60 to be exact, for their annual family reunion. Each year it switches from Des Moines to Liberty and this year was Ed’s turn. The family gathered from as far away as Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Seven month old Dominick Vincent White of Des Moines, Iowa was the youngest at the Mitchell family reunion in Liberty. Parents, Steve and Kelly, thoroughly enjoyed showing off their newest family member.
Katie Brooks cut the ribbon officially opening homes in Brooks’ Landing during a recent ceremony. Brooks’ name was on the development constructed by Tom Havens (right) because of her visible neighborhood pride. Mayor Pro Tem Phillip Frazier (left) conducted the event along with a good crowd of Chamber of Commerce members and the public.
Frank J. Kauzlarich, executive director of the Liberty Hospital Foundation, poses with Katie L. Brooks after she pledged support for the foundation’s work. The foundation raises private money for an endowment fund to finance medical needs at the district-owned hospital.
The Houston family celebrating Kwanzaa
Drizzle didn’t dampen the spirit of those who gathered for a ground-breaking ceremony for an African-American memorial drinking fountain Saturday morning on the old Clay County Courthouse lawn. From left: Rev. R.E. Miller, Sam Houston, Nukrisha Lee, Presiding Commissioner Tom Brandom, Ruth Emery, Sen. Ed Quick, Kenneth and Cecelia Robinson, Bob Shettles, Steve Danner, Sara Jo Shettles, and Mayor Steve Hawkins.
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