The Making of Black Columbia, Missouri's Middle Class: The Story of Frank and Hester McKinney, 1850-1934

This presentation examines the story of Frank and Hester McKinney to explore the emergence, successes, and challenges faced by the Black middle class in Columbia, Missouri, between 1850 and 1934. It discusses the history of slaveholding in the city, which existed alongside the establishment of a state university and two other colleges. Following the abolition of slavery, a significant aspect of the city's development was driven by its Black middle class. Their experiences provide valuable insights into the political importance of autonomy and identity, as well as the struggles for social mobility in the early post-slavery era.