Freedom Wall Commission accepting nominations

Published on February 18, 2026

Nominations are currently being accepted for honorees to the Monument to Freedom, Justice and Courage.

The monument was constructed to highlight those whose work significantly impacts the African American community in Jackson County.  Particularly those unknown, unsung champions of civil rights, equality and excellence.

Each year for 10 years, up to 100 people will be selected to be added to the monument. All submitted nominees will be evaluated by the Freedom Wall Commission on the quality of their leadership, community experience and the extent to which they have made meaningful contributions to the development, growth and sustainability of the African American community as defined in the eligibility requirements.

The wall is located in Leon M. Jordan Memorial Park. The park honors the life and legacy of Leon Jordan, a Kansas City police officer, politician and civil rights leader who co-founded Freedom Inc.

Following his murder on July 15, 1970, Jackson County broke ground on the corner property at 31st and Benton for the park on August 5, 1972. Additional land was acquired a year later, leading up to the dedication of the Leon Jordan Memorial Statue on May 17, 1975. 

The cast bronze statue is seven feet tall and weighs approximately 700 pounds. It was designed and built by Bobby Scroggins, a student at the Kansas City Art Institute. Today, he is an art professor at the University of Kentucky.  The statue is believed to be the first public monument erected to an African American leader in the state of Missouri, and the first public monument to be designed and constructed by an African American artist in Missouri.

For more information and to make a nomination