MLK Day: Is the Dream Alive in Kirkwood?

It's no secret that Kirkwood has become a talking point on the subject of race relations after the City Hall tragedy that shook the community and nation on Feb. 7, 2008.

I did not live in Kirkwood at that time, and I cannot imagine the trauma of that day and the months and years that followed.

Instead, on this holiday observing Martin Luther King, Jr., I can only speak to what I've observed in Kirkwood since moving to the city in 2010.

An Outsider's Observations

One of the first stories to kick-off the launch of Kirkwood Patch in December of 2010 was the Kirkwood Human Rights Commission honoring five winners from of the Human Rights Commission Essay Contest. Reading the winning essays, I was impressed by the KHS students' insights into race (See: ).

A few months later, we profiled KHS grad Chris Jeske and his documentary: .

In 2011, we saw the opening of Kirkwood Roots at the Missouri History Museum, which tells the story of city's African-American neighborhoods; the Kirkwood Human Rights Commission held its ; and the USA Network helped KHS students share their experiences with bigotry and discrimination.

Closing Thoughts

From what I've observed, the City of Kirkwood is making an effort to educate residents about race and isn't afraid to acknowledge that more work needs to be done.

I think this effort is leaving a positive impression on the city's youth, and believe we're going to see a generation that will better understand the complexity and history of race and discrimination.

Your Turn ...

This is the opinion of one resident. What do you think?