Traveling While Black Across America RoadTrip: Stop #1 - Kansas City, MO
Welcome to the first stop of our Traveling While Black Across America (Volume 1) series! A little background on this series, we decided to hop on the road to take (and document) a roadtrip from Wentzville, MO to Billings, MT.
If you’re new here, our show Traveling While Black usually has us in the Pacific Northwest or flying to international destinations, but we realized that many don’t know what middle America is like OR how safe it is for Black travelers. So, we decided it was time for us to expand our show to help those who may be wondering what it’s like to drive and stop in four cities: Kansas City, MO; Denver, CO; Cheyenne, WY; and Billings, MT. For each city will provide our typical ratings too: Drive Grade, Level of Fun, and Comfortability For Black People!
We started the journey from Anthony’s hometown of Wentzville, MO and here’s our experience!
The Overview:
When thinking of Kansas City you may not think it’s a large city, but in fact, it’s the 36th largest in the United States. It’s also pretty famous within Black culture and American history!
For example, when thinking of Kansas City, BBQ definitely comes into mind. During our visit, we had the chance to sit down with George W. Gates II, COO of the historic Gates BBQ. He proudly proclaims that "Kansas City is the BBQ capital of the world." He’s right, because the city boasts over 128 BBQ restaurants, which is a testament to its rich culinary tradition. BBQ in Kansas City isn’t just food; it's a cultural experience that has evolved from humble beginnings to a celebrated cuisine. We had the chance to try some Gates BBQ, and let us just say, be sure to add one of their locations to your list when you visit Kansas City!
The 18th and Vine District:
We were able to explore the 18th and Vine District while in Kansas City. This district was not only a hub for jazz and BBQ, but also a significant cultural landmark. It began as one of the few areas where Black families could live, work, and build businesses during Kansas City's early development. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Black community. This is why the American Jazz Museum and The Negro Leagues museum is housed in this neighborhood.
The American Jazz Museum offers a deep dive into the rich cultural history through interactive exhibits and artifacts. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves and celebrates the rich history of African American baseball, highlighting the incredible impact it had on sports and civil rights. You MUST visit both of these museums if visiting Kansas City.
Drive Grade:
Wentzville, MO to Kansas City, MO
Let’s get into our roadtrip experience or how we call it, our Drive Grade Rating. Here’s how we broke down the Drive Grade from Wentzville, MO to Kansas City, MO.
Quality of Views: 0/2 points - The drive through Missouri did not offer great views. The route was mainly lined with gas stations and billboards. So, we didn't award many points in this category.
Roadside Amenities: 2/2 points - This was great! The abundance of gas stations and fast food options along I-70W made the journey convenient. It was easy to find places to stop for fuel and food, which added points to our score.
Route Simplicity: 2/2 points - Traveling on I-70W was straightforward. The highway provided a smooth, uninterrupted drive with minimal traffic and few highway switches.
Roadside Attractions: 1/2 points - On this route we stopped at two places: America’s National Churchill Museum in Fulton, MO & the Missouri State Capitol. Other than that, there weren't many attractions along the way that made us want to pull off the highway.
Quality Parking Options: 2/2 points - In Kansas City, we found ample parking options, often free. Which was a big positive to Anthony!
Overall, we rated our drive to Kansas City a 7 out of 10.
Level of Fun Rating: Kansas City, MO
Kansas City offers a wide variety of activities for all demographics. Here’s a deeper look at how we evaluated the city's fun factor:
Quality of Activities: 2/2 points - From a vibrant nightlife in the Power and Light District to numerous professional sports teams, Kansas City has something for everyone! The city's rich cultural attractions, like the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum, which we really enjoyed, add to the variety of experiences available.
Demographic Applicability: 2/2 points - The city caters to a diverse audience. Whether you're a family looking for kid-friendly activities, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a solo traveler in search of adventure, Kansas City has plenty to offer.
Affordability: 2/2 points - The Midwest prices around the city were a welcome experience, since we live in Seattle now. Dining and entertainment options were reasonably priced, making Kansas City an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.
Quality of Restaurants: 2/2 points - Kansas City's culinary scene is outstanding. We enjoyed delicious meals at Black-owned establishments like Mesob Ethiopian and Caribbean restaurant and Ruby Jean's Juicery. Of course, the BBQ was a highlight, particularly at Gates BBQ.
Special Events: 2/2 points - The city hosts numerous events throughout the year, adding to its appeal. During our visit, we found a lively atmosphere with plenty of ongoing activities.
Overall, we rate Kansas City a perfect 10 out of 10 for Level of Fun.
Comfortability for Black Travelers: Kansas City, MO
Comfortability for Black travelers is a crucial aspect of our travel experience. Here’s how we rated Kansas City in this category:
Amount of Other Black People Seen: 2/2 points - During our visit, we saw many Black people, contributing to a sense of community and comfort.
Most Recent Black Population Numbers: 2/2 points - According to 2021 statistics, Black or African American non-Hispanics make up the largest minority demographic in the city. It shows there’s diversity in this city.
Prevalence of Black History: 2/2 points - Kansas City's Black history is deeply embedded in its culture, especially in the 18th and Vine District. Museums like the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum highlight the city's significant contributions to Black history.
Visibility of Inclusion Signs: 1/2 point - While the city's Black history is prominent, we didn't notice many explicit signs promoting inclusion. This is an area where the city could improve to make all visitors feel more welcome.
Our Personal Feelings of Comfort: 2/2 points - Throughout our visit, we felt comfortable and welcomed. Interactions with locals were friendly, and establishments like the 21C Museum Hotel (where we stayed) featured diverse and inclusive staff.
Overall, we rated Kansas City a 9 out of 10 for Comfortability for Black People.
Our Final Thoughts on Kansas City
Kansas City was the perfect start to our cross-country journey. We highly recommend visiting Kansas City to experience its unique blend of BBQ, jazz, and Black history.
Stay tuned as we continue our Traveling While Black Across America series, with our next stop in Denver, Colorado!
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