The Black Archives is a non-profit organization that serves the community by offering itself as an educational resource as well as a repository of every facet in African American culture in this region. The collection includes a vast sampling of the local African-American community’s history: thousands of photos, sports memorabilia, taped interviews, documents on slavery and desegregation, and the papers of famous choreographer and activist Alvin Ailey, as well as Kansas City Call founder Chester Arthur Franklin. It’s a collection of unique value to the community.
The Black Archives of Mid America, Inc. was founded May 8th, 1974 by Horace M. Peterson III and initially located at 1821 Paseo in the old Paseo building. In 1976, the Black Archives moved to 2033 Vine, old Firehouse The firehouse, located in Kansas City's Historic 18th and Vine District, itself is representative of African American history in this region as it was home to the first Black fire company in Kansas City. It was built in 1931 as part of the Work's Progress Administration period under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
It was Peterson's dream to see an invigorated 18th and Vine District that showcased the contributions of African Americans. His exemplary efforts became reality with the anticipated move of the Black Archives to a larger facility located in the heart of this Historic District. Other projects envisioned by Peterson include the Kansas City Jazz Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the Gem Theater; all landmarks in the 18th and Vine District. In June of 2012 the Archives will open to the community at a newly renovated facility in the historic Parade Park Maintenance Building at 1722 E. 17th Terrace. When the Black Archives opens on Juneteenth weekend, visitors will be greeted not only by a beautiful building but also by a brand-new exhibit. Titled after a Langston Hughes poem, “With My Eyes No Longer Blind” the exhibit will trace the story of African Americans in Kansas City from the days of Lewis and Clark to the mayor-ship of Emanuel Cleaver II.
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