African Americans of Wichita

The Kansas African American Museum

oct 2015 · Arcadia Publishing

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The African American community of Wichita is as old as the city itself, dating back to early pioneers, cowboys, and business figures. Once relatively integrated, Wichita became more segregated as the 20th century unfolded. In response, African Americans developed a lively neighborhood downtown with its own businesses, churches, schools, and organizations. World War II brought new populations to work in the aircraft industry and set the stage for profound changes. In the 1950s, a younger generation of leaders challenged racism and discrimination, unleashing a period of change that was both hopeful and painful. In recent years, the African American community has become more complex, with generations of established families joined by recent transplants, emigrants from Africa, and children of mixed marriages. While challenges remain, African Americans are more visible than ever before in local life, evident in politics, business, sports, and education.

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These images come from collections across the city, especially those of the Kansas African American Museum. They range from informal snapshots to the accomplished work of professional photographers L.K. and Rosie Hughes. Some document well-known icons of the community, while others are poignant in their anonymity, illustrating how much of the story remains to be told.