This year we've seen Kansas City work toward a better future in a myriad of different settings from a toy train to economic development with mixed results but mostly for the benefit of established local interests . . .
To wit and as an alternative to this trend . . .
THE TKC EDITORIAL BOARD HAS SELECTED THE TOP 13 MOST INFLUENTIAL KANSAS CITY 20-SOMETHINGS FOR 2013!!!
MISSION STATEMENT:
More than anyone else, this diverse group of young, local power brokers have served to define what it means to be a 'rising star' in Kansas City. These top 13 Kansas City residents under 30 have already accomplished quite a bit and look to influence this town well into the future.
Check our list:
Wick Thomas
Wick Thomas is a Kansas City librarian and youth activist. Earlier this year Mr. Thomas earned the Keith Spare Youth Leadership Award - "For your dynamic leadership of the next generation of Civil Rights soldiers."
This year Wick has been focused on LGBT advocacy and youth mentoring in the process of creating a teen literary magazine.
Wick is also the lead singer in a band that bares his name and a denizen of just about every place the cool kids gather in Kansas City.
On the topic of being a young, rising star in Kansas City, Wick Thomas shares this advice:
"If you can find it, there is power in being underestimated . . . The best and worst part of being a young person who is active in Kansas City is that sometimes you aren't taken seriously but because of that we have a lot more access to pursue different projects without being so heavily scrutinized . . . Even though I feel like I'm pretty scrutinized."
On his approach to community activism, Wick Thomas tells us:
"I had a lot of formative experiences as a teenager that really influenced the way I see stuff. I held my first protest @ 16 against the Missouri Marriage Amendment, got my friends together and just held up signs . . . I went on the Equality Ride @ 19 - That was a trip to Conservative religious colleges that had been discriminating against LGBT students and while I was on that trip I read a lot of Gandhi and Thoreau. Gandhi really resonated with me in helping me think of activism and public service as an aspect of every part of my life rather than just something I do."
Future plans for Wick Thomas . . .
"I would really like to work on amplifying the voices of teenagers in the urban core of Kansas City. The way that we talk about young people in this city is very discouraging at times. The language in stories regarding young people is exceptionally negative from Plaza "flash mobs" to a great deal of education reporting - The words being used discount young people are unfair. We're the ones who have set up the systems that negatively impact youth in the urban core and then we're discounting young people for being a part of it. It's not on them."
Certainly, we look forward to more activism from Wick Thomas and now invite readers to check the rest of these influential Kansas City 20-somethings . . .
KCPS Board Vice President Crispin Rea, Jr.
Serving as Vice President of The Kansas City School Board and working in the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office - Crispin Rea Jr. stands at the apex of power in Kansas City Proper. It's no secret that Vice Prez Rea is planning an important 3rd District run and will undoubtedly only gain influence in Kansas City as time passes.
Leslie Collins
This year Northeast News was once again Kansas City's best community newspaper. The news outlet broke important stories from stoplight removal to KC Museum infighting. Ms. Collins expertly guided Northeast News winning in her role as Managing Editor and continues to give Kansas City news context for her community.
Caleb-Michael Files
Board Member and Treasurer at Equality Missouri, Chief of Staff at UMKC Student Government Association and Political and Community Outreach Co-Chair at Human Rights Campaign . . . Mr. Files is also a rising star among the elite of Kansas City's Democratic Party, a tireless advocate and one of best young campaigners in the metro.
Nick Sloan
Publisher of the Kansas City Kansan, Nick Sloan is breaking new ground in the digital era and working to not only preserve community news but also make the essential leap beyond neighborhood reporting.
Marcus Leach
Without a doubt . . .
Political consultant Marcus Leach is the most influential, young, political power broker in Kansas City.
Behind the scenes he was the point man in helping to fight against the Jackson County Translational Sales Tax. Look for Mr. Leach to continue his meteoric rise to the top of local politics during the upcoming City Council elections.
Sophie Sassafras
Kansas City burlesque modeling babe Sophie Sassafras is making a name for herself online, in local clubs and among the local art scene crowd. She's not just a triple threat . . . She's so good that she can even do burlesque backwards.
Mase Hakes
This year Mase served as chairman of the Kansas City Diversity Coalition during a tumultuous time of transition. Under his leadership the local Pride Fest was a smaller scale success with a BIG CROWD that surprised more than a few people. Mase has scaled back on a bit of his activism but seems still committed to improving life and equality in Kansas City.
Kemet Coleman
Some call him "The Phantom" or "The Dapper Rapper" but Mr. Coleman is really an artist, businessman and entrepreneur. He's donating all of the profits from his new drop to charity. Look for Mr. Coleman to step up his production of eclectic content that crosses the line between soul, techno, hip-hop and dance music.
Toni Bones
Toni Bones gained national attention amid a Sugar Creek property rights fight that ended in community service AND widespread acclaim among fellow liberty activists. Now she's on the road and scaling back her activism just a bit . . . However, next year we're looking forward to a higher profile from this lady with one of the most unique worldviews we've heard so far.
Councilman Jermaine Reed
This year Councilman Reed championed an effort to "ban the box" and make City Hall more welcoming to former felons. As campaign season approaches, Councilman Reed looks to take a stronger tone in advocacy for his 3rd District base who demand equal resources and attention from City Hall.
Katie Daily
Our homie Katie is currently helping to shape this town @ The Arts KC Regional Arts Council . . . She remains a mover and shaker even outside of the political spectrum. If this town is undergoing a "cultural renaissance" that might benefit the arts community . . . Katie Daily is right in the middle of this crucial Kansas City trend.
Andrew Clarke
Mr. Clarke is a planner at urban film + design and a youth advisory appointee of Mayor Sly James. He's also merging local activism with media and politics in order to engage in holistic social change.
######################
Again, look for these young Kansas City power brokers to continue their winning and bring this town into the future.
Developing . . .
A bit wordy but
ReplyDeletenot bad.
Really good list; and I didn't even know about a few of these people. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteToni Bones is a white trash idiot. Have you ever watched her video blogs? Her mission is righteous, but she is a tool.
ReplyDeleteSophie? Are we STILL talking about her? All she does is get on FB and pimp out her average shows, with fat girls in rural cowtowns and shitty KC clubs. She is not doing ANYTHING for the community. She lies. She steals. She's kinda gross to look at and she does the same routine every show.
The rest of your list I ageed with.
ROFLMAO!
ReplyDeleteTony's Baloney
ReplyDeleteRaise the bar dude!
I've little confidence Gen Dysfunction is the answer and certainly am not going to sit back and wait for them to repair things.
ReplyDeleteI can not freaking believe it. Now Tony is trying to get laid by just about anyone.
ReplyDeleteLike attempting to lipstick a litter of piglets.
ReplyDeleteHey, wasn't that Caleb guy on 30 Rock?
ReplyDeleteYUP!
DeleteToni Bones
ReplyDelete21 hours ago
Whew, over the lonely might want a boyfriend nonsense and back to looking at dogs for adoption. Frankly, I would rather have a warm body to snuggle with that will also eat food off the floor. Win/Win.
Well that should the worlds problems.
I met her and immediately turned gay.
DeleteHI "BYRON!"
Kansas City is now being lead by queers and niggers? Ok then, just look for it to go the way of Detroit, only at an increased velocity.
ReplyDeleteYou mean by individuals that are actually doing something proactive to better their community instead of spread their small minded views behind an anonymous comment?!
Delete10:10- Agreed!
ReplyDeleteWhat career would you choose in an alternate reality? An art-gallery owner living in Paris with Coco Chanel (one of my biggest inspirations).
ReplyDeleteSo much for Daily check her off the list.
Nick Sloan is breaking new ground in the digital era
ReplyDeleteNick has so many broken and forgotten websites and 404's on the web he needs to hire a janitor.
Caleb-Michael Files @cmichaelfiles 30 Dec I just earned the 'Land of the Free (Level 2)' badge on @untappd!
ReplyDeleteWow guy has a future playing video games.
Mr. Tony!
ReplyDeleteHow you do go ON! Made me laugh out loud!
Your fun list of wannabes was inspired! These young things for the most part really take their self worth so seriously. They had good helicopter Mamas to shield them from reality.
But they will one day, hopefully, grow up. Well, maybe not Crispin Rea. He looks to be stuck at 17 1/2 years old and liking it.
When they finally hit adulthood perhaps they will take a look around and stop the narcissistic belly button gazing. We have so much to do in our city what with such slacker leadership from our Mayor and 2/3 of the sitting city council. We will continue to turn a blind eye from the Jackson County Courthouse as only buffoons stay there more than 2 terms.
again, Thanks for the hearty laugh. Makes me feel all festive as we head into the New Year.
Tip of my glass to TKC in 2014. May your shadow never outrun you!
Mase Hakes hasn't updated his twitter since April
ReplyDeleteSo much for purpose and commitment.
Tony sure knows how to pic em doesn't he?
ReplyDelete11:25 Nailed It!
ReplyDeleteWick Trick @Wicholas 21 Dec
ReplyDeleteParents just dropped off my video game stuff from when I was a kid.
Wow epic credentials there. Sounds like we have an incredible future ahead with Wick Thomas leading the charge
Funny stuff. This is truly joke blog stuff! At least Tony is staying true to his form.
ReplyDeleteWell Tony's gotten a little bit better then he used to be. Tonys Wayback Machine 2003
ReplyDeleteSaturday, October 25, 2003
» Rich bitches
New reality TV featuring "rich girls" is bound to captivate audiences. Bread lines will adjust their schedules accordingly. LINK
» Butt Hole Road
I don't see what's so bad. I'd like to live on Butt Hole Road, at least it would accurately describe my neighbors. LINK
He's still attracted to butthole types and bitches. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteOkay shut up or we'll have to ban comments like popular science or make you log in through Facebook or Disqus to comment here.
ReplyDeleteI don't care to "shut up" or go all retro with Facebook.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Clarke
ReplyDeleteDude get some fashion help the geek look is out.
These are Tonys "Trophy Kids" being rewarded for minimal if any real accomplishments.
ReplyDelete12:13 PM Yep. just like they were taught at school. EVERYBODY WINS!!
ReplyDeleteWith all the lawfirms, engineering firms and architecture firms in that building the plaza library guy probably isn't the most powerful under 30 in that building.
ReplyDeleteMy boner says Leslie Collins qwimm would be nice and wet!
ReplyDeleteI think I could make Andrew's ass cry.
ReplyDeleteI should be on this list.
ReplyDelete1:52 PM
ReplyDeleteAwww, is the little gay man offended?
Thats it. Jeezus, your cum posts are lame and your smack sucks. Not evwnn worth the effort. Wrt gay? What are you, 14 and on your holiday junior high break?
DeleteNow I kinda feel bad, I didn't know Byron was Tony's slow retarded friend. I hope Tony isn't playing where's the quarter in the bath tub like him and Craig do. That would be just wrong.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many of these power brokers are still on the insurance of their parents? And by the way they will pay all their lives for SS benefits they will never be able to draw on. Have a nice life.
ReplyDeleteCould any of them actually lead something productive? Could they be responsible for directing a group of people in a fiscally responsible manner? Don't think so.
ReplyDeleteOf course not, they want to make the world "a better place" i.e. - make it more accepting of their leftist points of view. I didn't read where they were doing anything productive
DeleteWhat a joke this list is!! It should be a who's who of liberal garbage -- seriously, make City Hall more welcoming to felons? Do burlesque backward? Get real jobs and start honestly contributing to society. When you contribute to science, industry, and community i.e. family based causes THEN you can be considered for making some distinguished list.
ReplyDeleteMost of you people suck at life and haven't accomplished much. Really obvious. Well that, and the so-called "wildman" stewing in his own failure.
ReplyDeleteThis place would be boring without some of the comments and I generally approve of freedom of speech. But some of these people are just straight up trolls.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the people on your list Tony. They seem like they are doing good work. Maybe you need to step up your game too?
Yes is "seems" like they are doing good work.
ReplyDeleteCity Hall "seems" to do good work in the press and media also.
I hope to make this list as a young mover and shaker after I launch my website freethetoytrain.com
ReplyDeleteI want to ride Jermaine's reed.
ReplyDeleteWhen you set the bar at TKC's level its entirely probable you will be a success.
ReplyDeleteTop 13 a.k.a. top contributors to Tony's newscrap site
ReplyDeleteI'd buy that for a dollar!
ReplyDeleteNo one is at the apex of power by being on the KC School board.
ReplyDeleteI love reading the comments on this blog. Never seen as many enraged mouth-breathing fucktards congregate in one place since the last Republican National Convention.
ReplyDeleteTony has no clue who the movers and shakers are... he doesn't run in those circles. Most of these young pups are the only ones who'll talk to him. Imagine needing TKC to get ahead? They're really just trying to get some media attention.
ReplyDeleteThen again, you're here reading late at night and clearly have been paying attention Mr. Powerful. Mission accomplished?
ReplyDeleteThe Chocolate Dwarf??? Seriously????
ReplyDeleteLooks like a who's list of faggots, niggers, dykes and common garden variety douche bags . And u wonder why KC is sucking like Tony on KJ ...
ReplyDelete6:33, we're impressed with your ability to use a keyboard and type with Obama's cock down your throat and his weeny nigger nutsack slapping you in the face! Suck it good faggot!
ReplyDeleteMiss Sweatie Pie at 11:25, can I nut on your thigh???
ReplyDeletetoni bones. more toni bones.
ReplyDeleteThe only one of those people who is really any kind of success is Cris Rea. This list is obviously compiled by someone on the outside looking in and not anyone who has done any activism themselves. Most of these people are involved with failed endeavors and are not people anyone with a brain would want to rely on. Do some of them do some decent things? Yes. Are they really doing all that well? No.
ReplyDeleteTKC is "king" at getting hits and that's about it. You're getting more hits just by them posting how excited they are to be one of TKC's annointed. Too bad that will never translate into dollars for any of them. Several on the list couldn't hold a responsible position if their life depended on it. Thankfully it doesn't because they can call up TKC and get on his list and feel all important.
ReplyDeleteToni Bones is really single?
ReplyDeleteToni Bones seriously? Isn't she like the "FREEDOM WHORE" or something? Come on TKC everybody knows that banging Adam Kokesh, Pete Eyre and half of KC NORML are the most noted accomplishments of her career as an activist thus far. Who is she going to bang next that's what everyone really wants to know. You could say "She really puts out for freedom and for free". Hahaha, that's how we do it up in KC Yo! Why fight for freedom when you can just fuck for it for real?
ReplyDelete....what does that mean
ReplyDeleteSo Toni Bones likes activists and dogs? Well I'm a member of PETA and I've got a 6" tongue so break on out the peanut butter. Let's get this party started you slutty little minx!
ReplyDeletetoni bones, I will lick your spit from a fork.
ReplyDelete^^^You might want to hold off on the peanut butter bro. You are going to have to slop through pile of ejaculate first.
ReplyDeleteLol! These comments are to funny. Sounds like this Toni Bones has a few admirers. Maybe not the kind you really want but with a reputation like that who can blame them? Good luck guys! xoxo :)~
ReplyDelete"Toni Boners" sounds more appropriate, Lol!
ReplyDeleteI think Toni Bones needs a raise. In other words someone needs to give her another welfare baby. I'd do it but I just got out of jail for child support.... Toni Boners, that's cute.
ReplyDeleteToni Bones is hot! I can't wait to see her in a porno. Hopefully someone from Copblock can get some of that action on video! In the interest of total transparency and all. Full disclosure, or dis-clothes-her. Copblock PORNO!!!
ReplyDeleteI thought there were 13 people on this list not just one. You people are perverts.
ReplyDeleteAdam Kokesh wont share that one....
ReplyDeleteThis shit cant be true, there's no way this chick Toni has really fucked that many people. You mean to tell me they just keep passing her around the liberty community from one guy to the next? How fucked up is that? She has pictures of her kids all over her fucking facebook for crying out loud that's sick shit. Getting around is cool and all when your young and don't have kids but who wants to grow up and learn how their mother is a slut? I hope that bitch slows the fuck down and can get wit someone who want to be a dad and not just wants to fuck her. I got kids and I'm no saint but dam bitch slow the fuck down and get a man who will raise them babies and stop bein a ho!!!!
ReplyDeleteHahahahaha!!!! TKC comments are for REAL!!! AHHHHAHAHAHAHA! These mofo's call it like it is!!! I LOVE THIS SHIT TONY! You just let it flow! AhhAhAHA!!
ReplyDeleteYou can't turn a ho into a house wife. So just keep on trcking TB, you got a long road of hoing ahead of ya!
ReplyDeleteand who rakes in comments... just saayaaaahn.
ReplyDeleteToni Bones sure has a lot of fans if you want to call them that. Got to give it up to her for that, after all she apparently gives it up for a bunch of other people. All in the name of freedom mind you. But seriously all these videos and not one of her naked yet, what's up with that? I want to see some titty and snatch!
ReplyDelete7:38 is harsh but totally true
ReplyDeleteTony's Kansas City proves once more to be a place for bottom feeders only.
ReplyDeleteFreedom ho or not I'd still put it in her but.
ReplyDeleteI have to laugh at the idea that anyone asked to be on any of Tony's lists. All it does is open them up for ridicule. I would believe that most of the people on here would be more likely to sleep with Tony to stay OFF of future lists!
ReplyDeleteMad you didn't make the cut, eh?
ReplyDeleteMelvin...You have no idea how off track you are. Or are you so stupid that you think the comments on here are something you would want to read about yourself?
ReplyDeleteThere's no such thing as bad publicity!
ReplyDelete