Jan 7, 2025 Story by: Editor
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Local activist Mary Dean filed an ethics complaint against Wichita Mayor Lily Wu on Thursday, accusing her of “blatant disregard of reparations advocacy.”
Dean, president of the Kansas Justice Advocate, expressed disappointment in Wu’s actions, alleging that the mayor has “deliberately neglected and dismissed efforts to address systemic racism and pursue reparative justice for Wichita’s Black community.”
In February 2024, Dean appeared before Wichita’s City Council, urging the city to follow the lead of other U.S. cities in creating a reparations commission. Dean highlighted Kansas City, Mo.’s decision to form such a commission as a key example for Wichita to consider. Her plea aimed at helping the Black community heal from the deep impacts of systemic racism.
Dean’s complaint, submitted on Thursday, detailed multiple attempts to engage the mayor on the issue. These efforts included appearances before the City Council, letters of support, public endorsements, and invitations for further dialogue.
In response, Mayor Wu quickly rejected Dean’s proposal in a letter, emphasizing that the issue of reparations is better addressed at the federal level.
“With deep historical roots and far-reaching implications, something like (reparations) is best addressed at the federal level, where solutions can be deliberated most comprehensively,” Wu wrote.
Wu further emphasized Wichita’s ongoing commitment to honoring Black history, stating, “I also recognize the importance of honoring Kansas’ rich history of independence, which includes entering the Union in 1861 as a free state, where slavery was prohibited.”
Wu also noted Kansas’ significant role in the Underground Railroad and the fight for freedom during the period known as “Bleeding Kansas.”
“In this spirit, the City of Wichita will continue to acknowledge Black History Month and celebrate the profound contributions of Black Americans to our city, state, and nation’s history,” Wu concluded. Source: KWCH
