Our City, Our Stories

Kansas City has a diverse population with rich cultural histories that have shaped the city into what it is today. The exhibit, "Our City, Our Stories," features stories from 21 different Kansas Citians, each highlighting their own unique racial, ethnic, and cultural background. Although the stories are brief, the exhibit allows patrons an inside look into the lives of Kansas Citians of all walks of life.

"Our City, Our Stories" features 21 different unique, personal stories from different Kansas Citians from varying racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Along with photos, the stories recount personal strength, courage, hope, and unity. One such personal account comes from Samantha, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community who aims to expand human compassion. Her story is one of courage and resilience, as most of her loved ones left her side after she came out as a transgender woman in 2016. Samantha now speaks at universities, schools, hospitals, and other organizations throughout the city, advocating for equality, diversity, and inclusion. Along with talks, she also contributes to multiple newspapers to promote acceptance and compassion throughout the community.

Samantha's story is one of many from the Kansas City metro that highlight perseverance, hope, and compassion. "Our City, Our Stories," aiming to connect Kansas Citians together through personal stories and experiences, is also partnered with the nonprofit 7 Billion Ones. This organization collects personal stories from people of various backgrounds with the mission of connecting and empowering one another - all across the globe. With the Kansas City Museum's local contribution, the museum hopes to continue to document stories to connect and empower all who visit the exhibit.

Kansas City Museum, 3218 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64123 (accessed March 8, 2022). Wall Plaques: Wall text. Our City, Our Stories, Kansas City Museum, Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas City Museum (@KansasCityMuseum). "Samantha’s career and family life as she knew it came to an end in 2016 when she came out as a transgender woman..." Facebook, June 30, 2021. https://www.facebook.com/kansascitymuseum/photos/a.114412228626394/4466559870078253/?_rdr