sepbutequalscreen

From Separate to Equal, the Creation of Truman Medical Center

April 7, 2011  |    |  1 min read

From noted filmmaker Kevin Willmott, it’s a documentary called “From Separate to Equal, the Creation of Truman Medical Center.” This history of health care in Kansas City’s black community touches on pioneering African-American doctors with names like Unthank and Thompson and Perry, and early hospitals like Douglas and Wheatley. There are stories about about jazz legends and black celebrities who, despite their stature, couldn’t get treatment in white hospitals. It’s an eye opener, and a primer on how things can, with determination, be changed.

Airs Thursday, April 14 at 9pm

Tags:

Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.

Nick’s Picks | Ballots, Bribery, Baby and More …

July 20, 2026

The World Cup has left town, some some of the biggest headlines are a man stuck in the toilet of a Porta Potty, upcoming elections, and an alleged scandal in Jackson County.

Related Stories

Heat index values this week are expected to climb between 105 and 110 degrees each afternoon. (Pexels) expected to remain in the 90s all week. (Pexels)

Nick’s Picks | Fireworks, Heat, Dylan and More …

As America gets set to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the fireworks are not the only things that will be hot. Expect heat and humidity this week.

Read More >
A grant and local contributions funded the restoration of Washington Chapel (C.M.E.) Church in Parkville. The chapel opened in 1907. (Bill Tammeus | Flatland)

Restoration of Black church in Parkville inspires rainbow coalition

The community has rallied around the restoration of Parkville, Missouri's, Washington Chapel. Built in 1907, the chapel has been a haven for a Black population that has not always been welcome in town.

Read More >
CPKC Stadium opened in 2024. An expansion would raise the seating capacity from 11,500 to 18,000. (KCUR 89.3 | Courtesy Kansas City Current)

Nick’s Picks | Soccer, Elections, Entertainment and More …

It's a soccer extravaganza in Kansas City, with the city reaching its halfway point as a host city and the City Council set to consider a bond package to expand the Kansas City Current stadium.

Read More >