The pieces in this section are generally written by members of the Lawrence community and those who have close ties. In addition, the Times is offering some space for area organizations and organizers to provide updates and attempt to reach other folks who might share their mission.
The Lawrence Times does not publish staff editorials (unsigned opinion columns, usually about the topics we cover, that many news publications run).
Want to submit a letter or column to the Times? Great! Click here to find out how.
OPINION COLUMNS
Tom Harper: Community initiatives to fund third volume of ‘Embattled Lawrence’ history books (Column)
In ”Embattled Lawrence,” Dennis Domer aims to tell the stories that have been missed in Lawrence’s rich history. Upcoming dinners and presentations will help raise funds to make the next volume possible, Tom Harper writes in this column.
Max Kautsch: Nothing to see here – Kansas lawmakers use State Finance Council to spend public money in the dark (Column)
”Will the Legislature again allow a cornucopia of taxpayer money to be spent without giving the public the courtesy of observing even the final stage of negotiations?” Max Kautsch writes in this Kansas Reflector column.
Shawn Alexander: Juneteenth and numerous other Emancipation Day celebrations (Column)
”For generations, no matter what date was selected, freedom and an understanding of the meaning of freedom has been at the center of Emancipation Day events. We must honor and respect that history and legacy,” Shawn Alexander writes in this column.
Dot Nary: Disability discrimination leaves invisible scars (Column)
”Despite our living with multiple surgical scars … the more serious scars are the emotional ones that we as disabled people have experienced due to discrimination,” Dot Nary writes in this column.
Shawn Alexander: The little-known story of George R. King and Bailey Hall (Column)
”King is an example of why history matters and a testament of who gets lost in the retelling of history when certain stories, individuals and events are left out of the history books and public memory,” Shawn Alexander writes in this column.
Clay Wirestone: Never forget – A senator was bludgeoned as tempers flared over slavery in Kansas 168 years ago (Column)
”We remember Sumner’s name. But we should also remember that Sumner was right,” Clay Wirestone writes in this Kansas Reflector column.
LETTERS TO THE TIMES
Letter to the Times: Support groups available for people dealing with a mental illness
”You are not alone. … By sharing your experiences in a safe and confidential setting, you can gain hope and feel a sense of connection,” Bill Wood writes in this letter about the NAMI Douglas County support groups.
Umut Bayramoglu: The night the First Amendment died on Jayhawk Boulevard, and why you should care (Column)
”Seeing (the First Amendment) trampled on my alma mater’s campus left me so disillusioned, so worried. Who are we? Who are we becoming?” Umut Bayramoglu writes in this column.
Sanctuary Alliance: Lawrence police actions against student protesters raise deep concerns (Column)
”We ask you to formally address your actions and reasoning for both events and refuse to answer any future mutual aid calls from KU police for any action of peaceful protest on the KU campus,” Sanctuary Alliance – Lawrence, KS writes to Lawrence police.
ORG CORNER
Watkins Museum of History: Free fun to return with Summer Games (Announcement)
“The Watkins Museum of History is excited to announce the return of a popular event series: Watkins Summer Games,” the museum writes.
Bishop Seabury Academy announces the Class of 2024 (Announcement)
”Congratulations to these outstanding graduates of the Class of 2024 from Bishop Seabury Academy!” the academy writes.
Sanctuary Alliance: Lawrence police actions against student protesters raise deep concerns (Column)
”We ask you to formally address your actions and reasoning for both events and refuse to answer any future mutual aid calls from KU police for any action of peaceful protest on the KU campus,” Sanctuary Alliance – Lawrence, KS writes to Lawrence police.
FROM THE STACKS
Note: Staff members at the Lawrence Public Library write blog posts about books, bookish things and other media. The Times is reposting some of those blogs in this feature, From the Stacks. Find many other blog posts, titles referenced in these posts and much more on the library’s website, lplks.org.
From the Stacks: Reclaiming memory and history in ‘Last Night at the Telegraph Club’
“Queer history is vital to a queer future. Reclaiming spaces in history that were occupied by real people through fiction is just as vital,” Margo Moore writes.