Heart of America Black History” Bus Tour
Trace the steps of our ancestors, as we travel through time. Witness the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the “Heart of America”, who played an integral part in shaping America’s story.
Discussion topics and sights will also include the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, slavery in the heart of America, the Kansas Jayhawks, the Underground Railroad, the untold story of Douglass Battery, and the war time sacrifices of African Americans. Tourists will be awarded the opportunity to absorb and visualize the world famous 18th and Vine Historic District.
Frequented by Roy Wilkins, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Jackie Robinson, Cab Calloway, Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Mary Lou Williams, Satchel Paige, Lester Young, Billie Holiday, Langston Hughes and Jackie Robinson just to name a few, 18th and Vine was an international point of destination from the early 1900’s to the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Thanks again Erik for today's tour!! You did an AWESOME job and I've already told my family about using you for our reunion. I'm spreading the word because we really do not know the history here in KC and how African Americans really contributed to our city. It was a great experience and didn't know how much history but BLACK history is here in KC."
— Dana Conway Kindle