Remember Quindaro

The riverfront town of Quindaro had a relatively short life. The bustling anti-slavery city was all but abandoned after the Civil War. But the Kansas City, Kansas, neighborhood that still bears its name has fought for historical recognition and renewal for decades. Community activist Richard Mabion and business owners along 17th Street are determined to breathe new life into a neglected community. They have organized the first Quindaro Festival, which runs from noon to 6 p.m. today at the intersection of 17th Street and Quindaro. The free, family-friendly day of activities includes complimentary cotton candy and sno cones, carnival games, historical demonstrations, live music, West African drumming, free health checks and an opportunity to meet the people making changes in the old neighborhood. "There are many incorrect perceptions about this area," festival planner Ke­Shaundra Hadley says, "and this festival was created to promote the positive side to Quindaro, which rarely gets any publicity.
Sat., July 12, 2008