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Local parents organize Shawnee protest as teaching moment on civil rights, civic activism

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About 50 parents and children gathered Saturday afternoon in front of Shawnee City Hall to demonstrate in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Parents described the protest as a teaching moment for youngsters with questions about civil rights and activism.

Jenni Wadle, a Shawnee mom who organized the event, said she started a Facebook group two weeks ago for parents to collect resources and support for teaching their children to be vocal allies. Soon after starting the group, Wadle began planning the kid-friendly demonstration.

“I’ve been going to protests lately and my son has been watching me make signs and asking me a lot of questions about what protests are,” Wadle said. “I just wanted to give him that experience. I think that kids are seeing a lot of scary things on the news, and I wanted them to have a positive appreciation for exercising their rights.”

Xander Persson, a 8-year-old Shawnee resident, said he came to the protest with his parents and 5-year-old sister, Summer, to show that “Black Lives Matter.”

Jenni Wadle and her 4-year-old son Colin led the protest Saturday.

“I want black people to have the same rights as white people,” Persson said.

Persson’s parents, Eric and Jessica, said they have brought their children to protests the past few years as a way to set an example.

“We want them to know what’s right,” said Jessica Persson. “We want them to be an ally to people of color. And we want them to see that they have the right to use their voice. And it’s not just a right; I think it’s a duty for them to use their voice to stand up for people.”

The protest brought parents from across the metro area. The Preston family from Independence joined as well.

Heather Preston, who is white, said she brought her two daughters to the protest so they can learn that their life matters. Their father, Brandon Preston, is black, and she worries about their children’s future dealing with racism.

“I want them to grow up without having to fear dealing with systemic racism, which I know they most likely will, but I want them to see that we can use our voices in a peaceful way, and I want them to see that from a really young age,” Heather said. “Their voice matters.”

Eleanore Preston, who is 4 years old, said she and her 3-year-old sister, Isabelle, held up their own signs to show a simple message.

“My life matters,” Eleanore said.

About the author

Leah Wankum
Leah Wankum

Hi there! I’m Leah Wankum, and I’m the Post’s Deputy Editor. I’m thrilled to call Johnson County home, and I’m deeply committed to the Post’s philosophy that an informed community is a strong community.

I’m a native of mid-Missouri, and attended high school in Jefferson City before going on to the University of Central Missouri, where I earned a master’s degree in mass communication.

Prior to joining the Post as a reporter in 2018, I was the editor of the Richmond News in Ray County, Missouri. I’ve also written for several publications, including the Sedalia Democrat and KC Magazine.

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