Author

Mark McCormick
Mark McCormick is the former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum, a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and deputy executive director at the ACLU of Kansas.
Kansas legislators want a pay increase. Those working minimum-wage jobs deserve one too.
By: Mark McCormick - March 19, 2023
Kansas legislators have figured out a way to boost their pay — through an independent body that would explore per diem and retirement benefits. Reportedly, the nine-member, independent body would shield lawmakers from the appearance that they’re feathering their own nests, which do need some feathers. Legislative pay has stalled at $88.66 per day and […]
Black History Month means empowerment. That provokes attacks on education in Kansas and U.S.
By: Mark McCormick - February 26, 2023
As Black History Month ends, consider what’s happening in legislatures nationally, including here in Kansas, to limit how it’s being taught. Black history can liberate and inspire and empower, and that’s why politicians from Tallahassee to Topeka continue to attack it. The New York Times has reported that a new version of the AP African-American […]
All-white panel refused Black Kansas student’s transfer. Why do Black bodies face so many limits?
By: Mark McCormick - February 5, 2023
If this story consisted only of the Kansas State High School Athletic Association’s denial of Zion Young’s transfer request from Campus High School following a documented and undisputed racist incident, it would still document a sizeable concern. If this story told only about the anxiety and depression Zion experienced after that incident, that too would […]
On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no one should settle for ‘a piece of freedom’
By: Mark McCormick - January 15, 2023
Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Mark McCormick is the former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum, a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and deputy executive director at […]
Documentary explores how 1965 Wichita plane crash left families (like mine) locked in a moment
By: Mark McCormick - January 10, 2023
Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Mark McCormick is the former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum, a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and deputy executive director at […]
Black student athletes face abuse during games. What all of us read can make a difference.
By: Mark McCormick - December 15, 2022
Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Mark McCormick is the former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum, a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and deputy executive director at […]
Reflection, celebration and fond memories should mark Thanksgiving season in Kansas
By: Mark McCormick - November 27, 2022
Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Mark McCormick is the former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum and a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission. My recent call to […]
Demand for ‘extreme safety’ presents its own dangers as Kansas elections approach
By: Mark McCormick - October 16, 2022
Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Mark McCormick is the former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum and a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission. Political pundits say some […]
The fight against women’s erasure continues after Aug. 2 abortion vote
By: Mark McCormick - September 11, 2022
Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Mark McCormick is the former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum and a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission. The busloads of men […]
Kansas Rep. Gail Finney fought for you. Now, it’s time to fight for her.
By: Mark McCormick - September 1, 2022
Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Mark McCormick is the former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum and a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission. If you knew Wichita […]
This ‘father of affirmative action’ was a Kansan who lived in Junction City and Topeka
By: Mark McCormick - August 21, 2022
Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Mark McCormick is the former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum and a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission. The Supreme Court will […]
Troubling questions abound for Kansas police in wake of Jan. 6 Commission hearings
By: Mark McCormick - July 17, 2022
Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Mark McCormick is the former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum and a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission. A chief of police […]