Good morning, CCO community. As some of you may have seen on our social media pages this weekend, one of Kansas City's television news stations recently caught our attention when it used the word "thug" to describe a black gunman committing a robbery. Read this article on CCO's website about how "thug" has taken on a racial meaning (it is most often used for black men) and how those who care about racial equity must be mindful of bias in language.
Then come support the following actions and events:
Come to Topeka for the rally to expand Medicaid in Kansas! On Tuesday, May 2, at 10:30 am, there will be a rally at the Kansas state capitol building (300 SW 10th Street, Topeka, KS 66612) in support of the expansion of Kansas Medicaid. There will be representatives and clergy there in solidarity with the cause.
The Kansas Legislature was only three votes shy of overriding Governor Brownback's veto of KanCare expansion. We are drawing closer to providing tens of thousands more low-income Kansans with healthcare, so we have to show up and increase the pressure! If you're on Facebook, RSVP!
Join our "Burden of a Criminal Record" event. On Tuesday, May 2, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, we will explore the barriers to re-entry faced by previously incarcerated Wyandotte County residents and what can be done to overcome these challenges.
This powerful event will take place in the auditorium of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library (625 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101). Please RSVP.
Read a reflection, "The Walls That Don't Go Away," by the event speaker at CCO's website.
Live in Johnson County? The next JoCo CCO meeting will be on Thursday, May 11. Time and location TBD, so watch your email inbox and our Facebook and Twitter pages for updates.
See another episode of "The Raising of America"! Visitation Church will be viewing another part of the documentary series that examines how social conditions and government policies impact childhood development. This event will take place on Tuesday, May 16, at 7 pm in Visitation's Tighe Hall (5141 Main Street, KCMO, 64112).
The episode, "Wounded Places," looks at how violence and trauma affect children. A panel discussion of experts will follow the film. Please RSVP today.
We look forward to seeing you at these events. Have a great week!