Attorney General's News Release

September 1, 2006

Next meeting on future of Black Archives of Mid-America scheduled for Sept. 7 in Kansas City

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon said today that his office will hold a second meeting on the future of the Black Archives of Mid-America on Thursday, Sept. 7, in Kansas City. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Gregg Community Center, located at 1600 John “Buck” O'Neil Way.

Nixon hosted a public hearing on the Black Archives on Aug. 17 in Kansas City that was attended by approximately 250 people. The Attorney General said it was important to use the momentum from the hearing to help preserve and maintain the archives.

“I was heartened by the interest and support of the community to save the Black Archives and keep the vision of founder Horace Peterson,” Nixon said. “It's vital that this institution has a board of directors that the community will want to invest its resources in.”

Nixon said Barbara Peterson, the widow of Horace Peterson, has agreed to serve as the chair of an advisory committee to determine the future leadership of the Black Archives.

Nixon said the meeting will begin with a presentation by the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department on issues involving the use of a department building as the possible new site for the archives. Gary Kremer, executive director of the State Historical Society of Missouri, also will give a presentation on issues involving preservation of historical artifacts and documents.

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