Beverley Olson Buller, “William Allen White and the KKK in Kansas”
Schedule
Sun Sep 07 2025 at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
2418 E 9th St N, Wichita, KS, United States, Kansas 67214 | Wichita, KS
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Join us for a presentation and discussion on “William Allen White and the KKK in Kansas,” by Beverley Olson Buller.The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
The 1920s saw the re-emergence of the Ku Klux Klan across America, and sparked fear and violence against African Americans and other minority groups. As the editor of the Emporia Gazette, White was acutely aware of the growing presence of the KKK in Kansas following World War I. Seeing no candidates free of Klan influence, White declared, “I want to be governor to free Kansas from the disgrace of the Ku Klux Klan.” This presentation follows the raucous two-month campaign that had White traveling over 2,700 miles to deliver 104 speeches, all directed at expelling the KKK.
Beverley Olson Buller is an author, an educator, and chair of the William Allen White Children’s Book Awards selection committee in Emporia.
“William Allen White wrote in 1922, ‘When anything is going to happen in this country, it happens first in Kansas.’ Accordingly, Kansas became the first state in the union to outlaw the Ku Klux Klan,” Buller said. “The story of White's role in history is fascinating and one of which his fellow Kansans can be very proud.”
“William Allen White and the KKK in Kansas” is part of Humanities Kansas's Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
Wichita Oasis is a non-religious community for people to come together to connect, be inspired, and feel empowered. We meet weekly on Sunday mornings and programming may include featured speakers, live local musicians, potlucks, service projects, game days, and more. The program starts at 11:00 AM, and people are encouraged to come half an hour earlier for coffee, snacks, and conversation. For more information, find us at wichitaoasis.org
Kid's Room. Two experienced and vetted adults are ready to help make your child’s experience at Wichita Oasis as fun and engaging as the main program.
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Where is it happening?
2418 E 9th St N, Wichita, KS, United States, Kansas 67214Event Location & Nearby Stays:
