RESOLUTION NO. 250934
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Sponsor: Councilmember Crispin Rea
RESOLUTION - Honoring the Mattie Rhodes Center for Over 20 Years of Dia de los Muertos Celebrations in Kansas City.
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WHEREAS, for over two decades, the Mattie Rhodes Center has been the heart and soul of Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Kansas City, fostering cultural understanding, artistic expression, and community unity through meaningful programming and public events; and
WHEREAS, these celebrations began humbly in the classrooms of the Mattie Rhodes Art Center with children’s after-school projects and a community dialogue led by local artist and educator Richard Bay, which revealed a deep local interest in the traditions and meaning of Dia de los Muertos; and
WHEREAS, the Mattie Rhodes Center now hosts a wide array of Dia de los Muertos activities including a community altar exhibition, cultural workshops, walking tours, and vibrant street festivals in the historic Westside neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, the Center’s annual exhibit highlights both traditional and contemporary ofrendas (altars), showcasing artwork from local artists and educating the public about this cultural tradition; and
WHEREAS, the festivities, which include parades, music, performers, food, a local marketplace, and workshops, offer an immersive experience that honors the Mexican roots of the holiday while embracing the cultural diversity of Kansas City; and
WHEREAS, by teaching the community how to celebrate and understand Dia de los Muertos in a respectful, joyous, and educational way, the Mattie Rhodes Center continues to make significant contributions to cultural preservation, youth engagement, and artistic expression; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council hereby honor and commend the Mattie Rhodes Center for its dedication, leadership, and cultural stewardship in hosting Dia de los Muertos celebrations that uplift, educate, and unite our community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Mattie Rhodes Center with the Mayor and Council recognizing the Mattie Rhodes Center as a cornerstone of cultural life in Kansas City and encouraging all residents to participate in the 2025 Día de los Muertos festivities, beginning on the First Friday, October 3, and concluding on the evening of November 7 with the Mattie Rhodes Calaca Parade.
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