KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Six individuals – who continuously saw each other on the front lines of recent protests in Kansas City, Missouri – have formed theBlack Kansas City Family (BKCF). And they have an ally in Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forte.
“It was really reassuring to know that we had somebody on our side fighting for us in the police force,” said Joi Leeah Worley, a Kansas City, Missouri, native and BKCF member, “and I think that his presence just speaks volumes to say that there is somebody who looks like the people who are struggling, who is here for us.”
The group’s mission is to end police brutality and lift up black lives within the community. It formed in the aftermath of demonstrations – locally and around the world – in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
In the days since video emerged showing now-former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck – which caused Floyd’s death in police custody – Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder.
Ledet Brown, of BKCF, said Forte has been on the front lines “for a long time.”
“As a matter fact, when he was the police chief, he protested with the protesters,” Brown said.
The biggest takeaway, for Forte, is that there is a “young crew” of leaders in the city.
“They’re not going away and they’re serious about it,” Forte said in response to his requested presence at a meeting Tuesday. “They want answers.”
Aside from helping a new organization evoke change amid the Black Lives Matter movement, the group said Forte’s presence is largely about representation.
“It often feels like we are out here protesting with our friends,” BKCF member Ray Vaca said, “and we can look behind us and see hundreds of our closest allies that are on the same wave. I want to get the same things done as us, but it seems as though, when you see a wall of police officers in full riot gear, it literally feels as if you are fighting against a brick wall.”
Leeah Worley said she grew up in the city and left for school, only to return to the same situation.
“To have been in the city your whole life and seen nothing being changed it’s really disheartening,” Leeah Worley said.
Leeah Worley and her new family have vowed to be the change, while calling into play advice from Forte.
BKCF member Danielle Randle agreed.
“A lot of us go to these meetings and we are not organized,” Randle said, “and we are all over the place, so it becomes an issue, like he said. People like when you are not organized because it’s kind of hard to pinpoint something.”
What’s different about this movement they say, is unity.
“If you go and check out all the past marches from back in the day, it’s like ‘Where’s Waldo?’ trying to find another race,” Brown said. “Well, if you come out and you see the marches today, it’s like a rainbow of people – all for people that look like me… That’s the difference.”
