Category: Communities

KCKCC launches Center for Global Transitional Justice

by Kelly Rogge

Kansas City Community College has launched a new center known as the Henry M. Louis Center for Transitional Justice to promote global transitional justice, peace, multicultural education and global friendship.

The center will publish a quarterly journal, “The Citizen Diplomat,” convene annual transitional justice conferences and organize a freedom and peace luncheon in the fall semester.

The Henry Louis Center, which was approved by the KCKCC administration earlier in March, will be beneficial to the local community, state, national and international communities.

In the past, the center, acting as an educational institute, had conducted conflict resolution workshops and simulations for high school students and hopes to continue with that tradition. The center also plans to organize hands-on workshops, lectures and conferences for local communities.

“Transitional justice is concerned with how individuals, governments and societies deal with the unpleasant past,” said Ewa Unoke, associate professor of political science at KCKCC and coordinator of the Henry project. “Transitional justice deals with such issues as truth telling, punishment, pardon, accountability, healing, catharsis, reparative justice, restorative justice, reconciliation, national recovery, truth and reconciliation commissions and the International Criminal Court.”

The center’s new project, “Transitional Justice and Counter-Terrorism: Establishing a Post-Conflict Agenda for Societies in Democratic Transitions” began in February 2014 after 10 KCKCC students participated in the recent National Model United Nations at Harvard University in Boston.

The Louis Center, along with the Student for Global Peace and Ralph Bunche Society, jointly sponsored the trip.

“The Henry M. Louis Center for Global Transitional Justice is a great asset for the KCKCC,” Unoke said. “Our students, will write for the transitional justice journal, take transitional justice classes and conduct researches abroad. KCKCC faculty interested in the theme of transitional justice will have the opportunity to be published and also participate in transitional justice conferences, workshops and researches locally and abroad.”

If grants are approved by the State Department, the new project will bring together journalists, government officials and the community from the United States and Africa. The center will conduct workshops abroad in collaboration with a few KCKCC faculty and students.

“In an age of anger, fear and terrorism, transitional justice is a timely theme in international relations, post-conflict reconciliation and national recovery,” Unoke said. “Professor Henry Louis was a global extrovert who led hundreds of KCKCC faculty on numerous trips worldwide. Our aim is to continue Henry’s legacy by facilitating global links among KCKCC community, governments and human rights communities abroad. We invite individuals and organizations who believe in human rights, peace and reconciliation partnerships to join us.”

Unoke holds a doctorate degree. His major fields of study were international relations and comparative politics. He is a transitional justice and subaltern scholar who is a former Biafra Child soldier and prisoner of war. He has taught for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Liberia at the College of Insurance and Risk management. Unoke has also taught transitional justice at Howard University, Lincoln University and currently at KCKCC.

For more information on the Henry M. Louis Center for Global Transitional Justice feel free to contact Professor Ewa Unoke at eunoke@kckcc.edu or 913-288-7318.

Special Education Coop to hold 14th annual Job Olympics

Approximately 150 students in the Wyandotte Comprehensive Special Education Cooperative will gather to learn and practice job skills in a friendly competitive environment.

The students will be a part of the 14th Annual Job Olympics, set for Friday, April 4, at the Bonner Springs PE Center. The event will take place from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. Job Olympics is a competition developed to promote transition and employability skills for a broad continuum of secondary students with disabilities.

Students have the opportunity to practice skills such as sacking groceries, basic carpentry, sorting mail and folding laundry. New events this year will include: food preparation, making change with a cash register, the value of money, sending an e-mail, completing a job application online, typing a Word document, manning a condiment station and first aid.

Medals will be awarded to first through third place winners in each category. All teachers also will pick a winner from their class who will receive a “Hardest Worker” medal.

For more information on the event or to sign up to be a volunteer, contact Cheryl McDonald, cheryl.mcdonald@kckps.org, 913-627-7831; or Dorothy Page, dorothy.page@kckps.org, 816-838-6920.

Community calendar

The Wyandotte Daily News is interested in news of your community event in Wyandotte County. Send information to news@wyandottepublishing.com and include your name and phone number.

Community meeting planned on education March 27

“How Best to Access Success in Wyco,” a community meeting, will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 27 at the Dr. Thomas Burke Technical Education Center at Kansas City Kansas Community College, 65th and State Avenue. A panel discussion will be sponsored by El Centro, KCKCC Advancement Council and MainStream Coalition on kindergarten through 16th year education in Wyandotte County and the effect of recent Kansas legislation. Partnerships in the Wyandotte education community that help students succeed will be discussed. There will be a voter registration booth. Guest speakers include Ed Marquez, director of admissions, Donnelly College; Superintendent Cynthia Lane, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools; Joy Engel, assistant superintendent of the Turner Public Schools. The moderator is KCKCC President Doris Givens. To register for the program, visit www.mainstreamcoalition.org under “Upcoming Events.” Reservations are requested but not required.

UG scheduled to meet March 27

The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. March 27 at City Hall, lobby level, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan. Several planning and zoning items are expected to be considered. An agenda for the meeting is posted at www.wycokck.org.

CFI to sponsor recycling event

The Coalition for Independence will have a one-day recycled durable medical equipment extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 28 at the CFI offices, 4911 State Ave. All current inventory will  be available. The not-for-profit agency provides a low-cost alternative to purchasing new equipment for individuals. Items include walkers, manual and power wheelchairs, bath benches and grab bars. Donations of used equipment in good condition also are being accepted.

Program offered on diversifying markets for farmers markets

A program on “Diversifying Markets: Farmers Market,” Wholesale and Farm School, will be offered March 31 in Kansas City, Mo. The program has assistance from K-State Research and Extension. For more information, visit www.growinggrocers.org.

Created Equal Film Series – Part I – opens April 1

Marking historic anniversaries of the Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington, this film series explores facets of Civil Rights history. A portion of the documentary “Slavery By Another Name” will be screened. The event is at 6 pm April 1 at the Kansas City Kansas Community College Dr. Thomas R. Burke Technical Education Center, 6565 State Ave. There will be a discussion a moderated by Clarence Lang, professor of African and African-American Studies, and American Studies at the University of Kansas. Created Equal is a program of the Gilder Lehrman Institute and the NEH with the Kansas Humanities Council.

Financial literacy for seniors: Adapting and adjusting for retirement

A financial literacy program will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 3 at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Attend this informative presentation about financial matters for seniors and retirement. Presented in partnership with Heartland Habitat for Humanity and Wells Fargo Bank. To register, call 913-906-8990.

Eleven ways you may be sabotaging your planters and baskets

A program on taking care of planters and baskets will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Sunflower Meeting Room, Wyandotte County Extension office 1208 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. The program will be presented by Kaw Valley Nursery, Manhattan Kan. It is sponsored by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Those attending may bring their lunches. There is a $5 fee for the class. Registration is not required. For information, call 913-299-9300.

Blood drive to be April 4

A blood drive will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 4 at Sumner Academy, old gym, 1610 N. 8th, Kansas City, Kan. To register for this Community Blood Center blood drive, visit https://www.esavealifenow.

Created Equal Film Series continues April 4

The Created Equal Film Series – Part II – will continue at 6 p.m. April 4 at the Main Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, 625 Minnesota Ave.  The program will focus on the Freedom Rides of 1961, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights struggle. There will be a screening of selected scenes from “Freedom Riders” followed by a discussion moderated by Clarence Long, professor of African and African-American studies, and American studies at the University of Kansas. Created Equal is a program of the Gilder Lehrman Institute and the NEH with the Kansas Humanities Council.

ServSafe Course to be April 8

A ServSafe Course will be Tuesday, April 8, at K-State Research and Extension, Wyandotte County office, 1216 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. This course is for everyone who handles any type of food service or group meals. Also, it is for those interested in food service employment. The cost is $10, which includes class materials and workbook. The deadline for registration is April 1 because of limited seating and workbooks. Contact Lori Wuellner at 913-299-9300 or email lwuellne@ksu.edu.

Women’s Chamber to meet April 9

The Kansas City, Kan., Women’s Chamber of Commerce will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, for a spring membership event. The event will be held at the Cork House, 509 N. 6th St., Kansas City, Kan. Parking is on the west side of the building.

Fairfax Industrial Association to meet April 10

The Fairfax Industrial Association will meet at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at Reddi Services, 603 Funston Road, Kansas City, Kan. The guest speaker will be Chad Meyer, president and chief operating officer of NorthPoint Development, giving an update on progress in Fairfax.

UG scheduled to meet April 10

The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at the Commission Chambers, City Hall, lobby level, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan. An agenda for the 7 p.m. meeting might be posted at www.wycokck.org.

Town Hall Forum planned April 12

The Kansas City, Kan., Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Town Hall Forum rom 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the West Wyandotte Library, 1737 N. 82nd St., Kansas City, Kan. The public will hear an update on legislation and will have the opportunity to meet with members of the Wyandotte County legislative delegation. The program is free and open to the public.

Candlelighting service planned for crime victims April 14

A memorial service and candlelighting is planned at 5 p.m. April 14 at the Forest Grove Baptist Church, 1417 N. 9th St., Kansas City, Kan. A light dinner begins at 5 p.m. followed by the candlelighting at 6 p.m. The Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort is planning this free event, which has several sponsors. For more information, call 913-321-1566 or visit the website at www.friendsofyates.org.

Human Resources Roundtable meeting planned

The Wyandotte County Human Resources Roundtable will hold a meeting from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at Earp Distribution, 2730 S. 98th St., Edwardsville, Kan.  For more information, contact Jay Matlack, business retention and expansion director, 913-748-2273.

Blood drive scheduled April 21

A Red Cross blood drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21 at the Sacred Heart Home Health Care, 7735 Washington Ave., Kansas City, Kan.  To schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners annual plant sale to be May 2-3

The annual plant sale of the Wyandotte County Master Gardeners will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 2, and 9 a.m. to noon (or as long as inventory is left) Saturday, May 3, at the Wildcat Room, Wyandotte County Extension office, 1200 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. The Wyandotte County Master Gardeners will offer tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, herbs, and other vegetable and fruit plants started by the members, and collections of perennials, annuals, Kansas native wildflowers and ornamental grasses. New to the sale this year will be succulent plants, gently used books and gardening supplies. Master Gardeners will be on hand to help with selections and answer gardening questions. For information, call 913-299-9300.

Program covers post-harvest handling

A program for gardeners and those who raise food on “Post-Harvest Handling” will take place on May 12 in Kansas City, Kan. The program is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension. For more information, visit www.growinggrocers.org.

African-American Art Festival planned Aug. 9

The MoKan African-American Art Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Quindaro Park, 35th and Sewell, Kansas City, Kan. Those attending the free event may bring a blanket, enjoy artwork, stilt walkers Gullah basket weathers, African drummers and dancers, food and vendors. For more information about having an art exhibit there or being a vendor, contact 913-788-7330.