Struggler’s Hill

Struggler’s Hill was established in 1920 and named after the lived experience of the residents who moved there–the idea being that once you moved in, you would then struggle to make payments. While the community had sufficient infrastructure and local businesses, (a majority of which were run by homeowners), housing costs were high. Yet the community endured and the neighborhood was a strong and supportive network, resulting in many talented African American firsts and generations of families that live there to this day.

Struggler’s Hill is one of Kansas City, Kansas’s most historic neighborhoods, well known for its many famous and influential African Americans who grew up there. Much of its legacy has been told through stories, passed down from generation to generation. Struggler’s Hill is most commonly known by association with the best-selling book by Alex Haley, Roots, which details the experiences in this neighborhood where his family came to settle and where he established his roots. Today, a neighborhood group still exists and is fighting to keep the legacy of the community alive. 

Struggler’s Hill was established in the 1920’s with the first residents, Georgia Anderson, and her husband. The neighborhood quickly grew into a vibrant African American community. The neighborhood was named Struggler’s Hill as a result of the experience of those who moved there. Residents faced financial hardships due to high housing costs and segregation. At the time, it was rare for an African American neighborhood to mainly consist of homeowners, and while many struggled financially, the community built a rich network of relationships. Neighbors living in Struggler’s Hill have been known to lend a helping hand since the establishment of the community and rich friendships were created for generations to come.

In 2007, locals created a neighborhood tour to help tell the story of five famous residents that grew up in the community. The tour featured the historic homes of Alex Haley, James H. Browne, Bishop John Gregg, Delano Lewis, and Reginald McKamie. These individuals, along with many other famous and influential figures, have credited the nurturing and impressive community environment as a key to their success. Today, the Struggler’s Hill/ Roots Neighborhood Association is very active in campaigning to memorialize the history of the neighborhood and ensure the legacy remains intact through tours, parades, websites, and community events.

Accessed June 8th 2022. https://www.strugglershillroots.com/home.

Community Partner Gardens, KCCG. Accessed June 8th 2022. https://kccg.org/community-partner-gardens/.

Strugglers Hill Neighborhood, Humanities Kansas 50. Accessed June 8th 2022. https://www.humanitieskansas.org/get-involved/kansas-stories/places/strugglers-hill-neighborhood.