KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked protests and conversation nationwide around combating police brutality and systemic racism.
As cities across the country commit to policy change, Kansas City, Missouri, is witnessing the same. Just last week, KCPD announced funding has been secured for body cameras.
Maite Salazar, a Missouri democratic congressional candidate, said it is important to look at how resources are distributed.
"That's all politics is, is the distribution of resources, deciding who gets what and when,” Salazar said. “We need to make sure that it is equitable."
Her advice is to get familiar with local organizations already working to combat racism.
Salazar also said it's important to be aware of issues affected by systemic racism, like criminal justice and housing.
"We had the Jackson County tax hike that happened last year,” Salazar said. “Who did it affect? Black and brown people mostly. Those are things that really traumatize and hurt people of color that we don't always think about. So it's really important for us to keep up with what city council is doing."
Listening to black voices, keeping up with social justice groups and donating time or resources to support those causes are all ways people can help combat racism at an institutional level, according to Salazar. She said organizers "will put you to work immediately."
Local organizations that work to combat racism include:
