Johnathan Duncan

Happy 816 Day! Kansas City is special because of its people and yesterday I was excited to recognize Chef Yahia “Baba” Kamal and his family for making @babaspantrykc so much more than a restaurant but a celebration of Palestinian culture and welcoming space for all. 🇵🇸 ❤️

The @unidos conference was an incredible week of heavy, powerful, and uplifting conversations- I’m grateful to have been a part of it. We will not shrink, we will not hide- we will rise together and meet this moment with our voices raised and fists held high. Adelante.

Yesterday I had the honor of recognizing AIRR for their tireless efforts to uplift and protect our immigrant in Kansas City and beyond. We’re better because you’re organizing.

The proclamation was written and presented by my summer intern, an aspiring immigrant rights attorney.

Last week I joined Latino leaders from across the nation for the NALEO annual conference in ATL.

Our conversations came back to this- to meet this moment we must join the work of community organizers to push for change. I’m so happy KC is full of organizers doing just that.

On Saturday I joined 200 of my neighbors from every part of the city, KCK, Eastern Jack and beyond for rapid response training to an ever growing ICE threat in our communities. Thank you @airr_kc and @kctenants for the training!

In the middle of a war on the working class, we the people must not forget who our enemy is. Our fight is not with our neighbors, it’s with the billionaires & their bought politicians who took food & healthcare from the poorest of us to give tax breaks to their wealthy friends.

During the visit we realized we have the tools to implement Miami's model here- we just need the political will to do it. I agree with the Mayor's public assessment that our people want different solutions for safety concerns. Let's listen to our people and build a CRC. /end

Miami's model is focused on community reintegration rather than punishment. By diverting people away from jails into systems of care, Miami has successfully addressed the underlying causes of crime and CLOSED ONE OF THEIR JAILS. Their new recovery center is to open this year. /2

To solve our public safety issues we'll have to think beyond jails. I joined our Municipal Court to research Miami’s model. They reduced their recidivism rate from 76% to 20% by treating their people rather than jailing them. We can do this with a Community Resource Center.🧵

It was a great day for talking with people about how we build a better future together- on our streets and in our homes.

I’ve often said the people closest to the problem are closest to the solution, but that’s not quite right. The people closest to the problem ARE the solution.

I joined @1800nasi in conversation about the power of storytelling and recapturing our history through a Black queer lens in an era of fascism.

Thank you Kansas City for holding the line for one another- I know we will prevail.

I celebrated with @kansascitydefender and @decarceratekc at their free cookout for the people. /2

Juneteenth hit different this year- it felt more important to show up and show out on Freedom Day.

I stood in solidarity with @seiu.local1 as they fight for fair wages for janitorial workers. 🧵

Good morning, Kansas City! As many of you gear up to make your voices heard in the streets today, remember to be prepared, be thoughtful, and be safe.

Water, snack, mask, sunscreen, eye safety, and a plan to leave the area I’m in are what I bring to protests. What do you bring?

The service yesterday was incredibly powerful. In the midst of their grief, Daniel’s loved ones spoke of the power of love. Love is a verb and requires action. I know we will move to conquer this fear with love- our voices raised, heads high, fists up until the policy changes. /end

Carlos has five other children, three of whom served honorably in the Navy and Marines. The immigration policies in this country are not about safety or freedom, they are about cruelty and fear. /2

Yesterday morning I joined the family and friends of SSG Daniel Antonio Gonzalez as they laid their beloved son, brother, husband, and friend to rest. SSG Gonzalez’s father Carlos was not able to bury his son yesterday because as a Mexican citizen he was denied entry at the border. 🧵

I was invited to a meeting of seniors this morning. We talked housing, transportation, and ensuring seniors have a seat at the table when planning development to ensure those with mobility issues are considered. Shoutout to Sheronda from @kcmoparks who organizes events and updates for our seniors.

I had the privilege to spend time with our building trades and these incredible apprentices this week. They beamed with pride as they told me about the skills they’re learning in the trades. Thank you @nabtubuilds and our unions for pushing us to ensure everyone has access to good jobs.

I’ll never forget the irreparable loss that senseless war inflicted on so many. I’ll never forgive those who sent us there. I’ll never stop working towards a peaceful tomorrow. /end

He showed that same bravery the night he was killed on a remote stretch of road in Iraq February 22, 2007. I’ll never forget David, that stretch of road, or that night. /2

I unexpectedly ran into an old friend last night at Celebration at the Station. David Berry was kind, quiet, and incredibly brave. On a remote stretch of road near his home of Haysville, Kansas, he pulled an unconscious man from a burning truck, saving his life. 🧵

I heard Patriot Front had a little march today in the crossroads. A bunch of masked up cowards- take your racist fear mongering back to your basements and keyboards.

The legal system may provide relief to residents if they are abused by unjust enforcement of this law, but that is not justice. Justice is not being abused in the first place. /end.

While I agree with voiced concerns there are very real public safety issues which require action, it should not be illegal to be homeless and our residents should not be harassed for simply occupying a public space regardless of how their presence may make someone feel. /2

Against my and hundreds of community members' voiced objections. Today Council passed a loitering ordinance directly aimed at our homeless neighbors.🧵

I made the opening reception for visual artist Nasir Montalvo’s first solo exhibition SOAKIE’S WAS HOME now at @itsthewaitingroom. The way Nas is able to tell stories through photos, videos, poetry, and hours of one-on-one interviews is incredible and absolutely beautiful.(Photo credit: @lynnieholl)

Join these organizations at the @kclibrary Lucile Bluford Branch tomorrow 2-4pm to pay tribute to Malcolm and learn more about folks who continue to embody his legacy for our people. /end

National Black United Front–KC upholds Malcolm X’s principles by advancing African-centered education, stimulating the Black economy through initiatives such as Buy Black and WeDevelopment Credit Union, and fostering Black cultural unity through Simba Na Falami and city-wide Kwanzaa celebrations. /3

Community Movement Builders– KC Chapter embodies Malcolm X’s vision of Black self-actualization and communal uplift by offering mental health services, housing support, mutual aid initiatives, and grassroots economic development rooted in unity and autonomy. /2