Preserving Our Past: The Story Continues, a new local documentary from Kansas City PBS, is the second installment of Regional Emmy-winning producer Catherine Hoffman’s Black History Month special. The program is now available to stream online.
Through her research and reporting, Hoffman works to uncover compelling and often untold stories of Black excellence, sacrifice and perseverance which are brought to life onscreen through historical footage and expert interviews. Featuring three topics and their impact on Kansas City, this follow-up to the 2022 original shares the importance of Kansas City’s past and its influence on the present.
“Last year, Preserving Our Past: Kansas City Stories of Black History resonated with audiences, sparking conversation about where we’ve come from as a country – and how much further we have to go,” said Kliff Kuehl, president & CEO of Kansas City PBS. “With ‘The Story Continues’, Catherine picks up where she left off, and explores new facets of Black culture. I am continuously impressed and proud of her ongoing work to bring these often-underreported stories to our audience.”
In “The Story Continues,” Hoffman visits with the family of a local World War II Medal of Honor recipient; plus, she dives into the story of a Black Kansas City cowboy who is uplifting the history of Black cowboys; as well as the Black Kansas City women who preceded the national “soft Black girl” movement, in which Black women everywhere have embraced softness and luxury in their everyday lives.
“Last year, I shared a few stories of Black history in Kansas City, and I’m excited to share more,” Hoffman said. “Today these stories all have something extra in common. A direct tie to pop culture and present-day life, hence the title of this special: The Story Continues. In the process of making these videos I’ve laughed, cried and learned so much about our city – I think audiences will feel much the same.”
Preserving Our Past: The Story Continues is presented by AARP-Kansas City.
