The Historic Kansas City Tour, Routes of Resistance, stopped at two iconic locations in Parkville on Saturday, April 25. The Washington Chapel and the Banneker School were stops on a free bus tour, sponsored by UMKC and the Kansas City Monuments Coalition, that explored local black and indigenous history.
Between 25 and 30 people took the tour. The tour took particular interest in schools and churches, noting their importance in building community and strength as well as serving as an organizing hub for Civil Rights.
After several stops, the tour arrived at Banneker School in Parkville. It is the oldest, one room school West of the Mississippi that remains intact and in its original location. It was built in 1885 by formerly enslaved people for their children’s education. Education was considered a primary necessity for taking full advantage of their new freedom as well as advancing their community.
Discussions included how the school was built with bricks fired at the college as well as the skills developed in masonry, carpentry and plaster work by the men in the community. The attendees were regaled with local history and Lucille Douglass, chairwoman of the board for Banneker Foundation, related anecdotes about growing up in the area.
The tour concluded at Washington Chapel, an historic Black church only two blocks up the road. Attendees admired the stained glass windows and listened to the story of the founding family, Angeline and William Washington.
Washington Chapel is currently being restored as a church, event space and community center. Banneker School is being restored as a museum and interactive learning center. The church and Banneker School are both on the National Historic Register and are expected to form bookends to a future historic district in Parkville.
The Banneker School Foundation will hold a Jazz Festival at English Landing Park, June 6 from 5-9 p.m. There will be music, beverages and a silent auction to help raise money towards the school’s restoration and museum plans.
Learn more about the school and calendar of events at bannekerschoolparkvillemo.org.