Attorney General's News Release

August 8, 2006

Public hearing presents a crucial first step toward restoring Black Archives, Nixon says

Jefferson City, Mo. — The future of the Black Archives, a non-profit corporation in Kansas City that is currently administratively dissolved, could get a major boost from the public hearing Attorney General Jay Nixon will hold concerning the organization's status. Nixon's hearing to create a public record about the Archives, which is a collection of African-American historical items from across the Midwest, will be held on Thursday, Aug. 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Gem Theatre, located at 1615 E.18th St. (18th and Vine). The facility is accessible to the disabled.

"The future of the Black Archives is at a critical juncture, and a public hearing could be the catalyst that ensures that this important piece of African-American history is preserved for future generations," Nixon said. "The best way to make that happen is to obtain the input of those in the community, which could lead to a much-needed dialogue about how to get this important institution back on its feet."

Free parking for those attending the hearing is available in the area on 18th Street in front of the theater; at the Myra Taylor lot at 18th and Woodland, about two blocks east of the theater; and at the Gregg Community Center, 1600 John "Buck" O'Neill Way. Members of the public who are interested in testifying at the hearing should contact the Attorney General's Office by phone at 816-889-5000 or by e-mail at ag@ago.mo.gov, and enter "Black Archives hearing" in the subject line.

The Black Archives chronicles African-American life in Kansas City and the greater Midwest through rare photographs, letters, documents and artwork. It was dissolved as a corporation by the Missouri Secretary of State's Office in January of this year for failure to file an annual report as required by law. Currently, the archives has only one board member and remains non-compliant with state law regarding reinstatement as a not-for-profit corporation in good standing.

In March, Nixon's office contacted the board of the Black Archives to advise them that the corporation had been administratively dissolved and that they had two options to become compliant with Missouri law. One option was to take the steps necessary to get reinstated as a not-for-profit corporation in good standing with the Secretary of State's Office; the other was to close down the operation and work with the State on a plan to distribute the assets. To date, the Black Archives has not gotten in compliance with the law as directed.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818