Martin Luther King Jr. Day
History
“Free Did Not Mean Welcome”
Presentation Explores Emancipated African Americans’
“Free State” Experiences and Systemic Racism that stills
exists in today’s world.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Carmaletta Williams
Monday, January 18, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(The registration link will be available at a later date)
Millions of African Americans walked away from the South after Emancipation looking for
freedom. For some it meant a journey to Kansas, a “free state.” Discover how many realized that
for Black people in Kansas “Free” did not necessarily mean “Welcome.” Also learn more about
“Systemic Racism” that sill exist in today’s world and what we can do to help to eliminate it.
Carmaletta Williams is a former professor of English and African American Studies at
Johnson County Community College. She is now the Executive Director of The Black Archives
of Mid-America.
“Free Did Not Mean Welcome” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Movement of Ideas Speakers
Bureau, featuring presentations and workshops designed to share stories that inspire, spark
conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
For more information about “ Free Did Not Mean Welcome” contact the Gordon Parks Museum
at 620 -223-2700 ext 5850 or visit http://www.gordonparkscenter.org/.
