Brush Creek will soon be where you brush up on KC’s Black history. The Brush Creek Cultural Heritage Trail project will transform one mile into interconnected nodes dedicated to KC’s civil rights history + the local Black experience.
Where exactly will it be?
The trail will stretch across from The Paseo to Cleveland Avenue, bordering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Emanuel Cleaver II boulevards.
One mile of history will soon be here.
Map courtesy of KCMO Parks and Recreation
What will be on the trail?
It will have a total of 14 markers showcasing significant moments and people from KC’s Black culture. Ideas being considered include:
- Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry — The grandmother of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, she was a juvenile court worker and advocated for more foster homes for Black children.
- Curtis McClinton — This living legend played for the KC Chiefs and is a founder of the Black Economic Union.
- Brush Creek Floods of 1977 and 1998 — If selected, this marker would honor the people who died during these tragedies.
- Jazz District — This node would highlight the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, commemorating all the Black-owned businesses it has hosted.
Have an idea? You can submit it here and help make history.
This is what one of the trail stops could look like.
Rendering courtesy of KCMO Parks and Rereation
After the markers are selected, each idea will be crafted by a local artist. BTW — the artist call is currently open. If you would like to answer the call, submit at least one work sample by Friday, Dec. 15.
A full project timeline is TBA.