Today is historic in Kansas City politics as 5th District Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw is now Mayor Pro Tem for the Kansas City Council term of 2023-2027. This momentous achievement marks Parks-Shaw as the first Black woman to serve in this capacity. She began serving her first term in August 2019 and has lived in the 5th district with her family for over 22 years. But that’s not all. Councilwoman Parks-Shaw being sworn in alongside incumbent 3rd District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson and 3rd District-At-Large Councilwoman Dr. Melissa Patterson Hazley is historic, as well. This is the highest number of Black women elected to serve on the city council during the same council term.
Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet (Shirley’s KC), is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying the voices and power of Black women. The organizations’ founder, Michele Watley, weighs in on the significance of having the most diverse council in our city’s history and how constituents can impact policies that represent needs of our community.