Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Black History in Kansas City
Discussion topics and sights will also include the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, slavery in the heart of America, the Kansas Jayhawks, the Underground Railroad, the untold story of Douglass Battery, and the war time sacrifices of African Americans. Tourists will be awarded the opportunity to absorb and visualize the world famous 18th and Vine Historic District.
Frequented by Roy Wilkins, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Jackie Robinson, Cab Calloway, Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Mary Lou Williams, Satchel Paige, Lester Young, Billie Holiday, Langston Hughes and Jackie Robinson just to name a few, 18th and Vine was an international point of destination from the early 1900’s to the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement.
About Eric Stafford
Erik Stafford, born May 1969 is a native of Kansas City MO. He is married to Carla Stafford together they have three kids. He attended Raytown South High School and graduated in the class of 1987. After high school, Erik remained in Kansas City to attend Penn Valley Community College where he discovered history. Erik received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Central Missouri State University.
He then returned to Kansas City and taught social studies at Genesis School for three years. At Genesis School, he and his students gave tours of the historic sites in the Kansas City area. It was also during this time that Erik published his first book of poetry Native Life which is a collection of poems and pictures. Erik received his Master of Arts Degree in Business at Webster University in Kansas City MO.
In 2009, Erik became sole proprietor of the Kansas City Tour Company and began conducting tours of the historic sites in the Kansas City area and creating interactive, historic slide show presentations, that allow people to make the connections between the past, present, and future through history. In May of 2017, Erik published Script From 12th to 18th Street a condensed, factual account of Jim Crow Segregation in the Heart of America. The New York Times featured Erik in their article On a Civil Rights Trail Essential Sights and Indelible Detours, August 6, 2018.
Learn more: https://www.kansascitytourcompany.com/
