The UMKC Libraries, in collaboration with the University of Kansas, are proud to announce a multi-year partnership to preserve the physical and digital archives of Stand Up KC and the Missouri Workers Center. This landmark collection, documenting years of grassroots organizing for fair wages and labor rights, will be permanently housed in LaBudde Special Collections.
The initiative began under the leadership of Dr. Tadeo Weiner Davis, KU professor, and Mēgan A. Oliver, Head of Digital Projects, supported by a KU Racial Equity grant. The partnership represents a unique bridge between academic institutions and community organizers and will make sure that the history of Kansas City’s essential service workers is documented by those who led the movement.
“This partnership was built on a foundation of trust and shared goals,” said Stuart Hinds, Curator of LaBudde Special Collections. “By depositing these materials at UMKC, Stand Up KC and the Missouri Workers Center are ensuring their legacy of activism is accessible to the public while remaining protected for the long term.”
Key highlights of the partnership include:
- Implementing community-led archiving through a worker advisory board.
- Housing physical materials in UMKC’s state-of-the-art robotic storage system and providing long-term preservation and processing support for digital assets.
- Engaging students through fellowships and internships.
The transition of materials to UMKC Libraries is scheduled for completion in Spring 2026.
Project leadership & key contributors
- Mēgan A. Oliver, MLIS (UMKC Libraries): Project Lead and Head of Digital Projects
- Dr. Tadeo Weiner Davis (University of Kansas): Project Lead and Faculty Affiliate, School of Social Welfare
- Stuart Hinds, MLS (UMKC Libraries): Curator of LaBudde Special Collections
- Zachary Mueller: Community Organizer
- Elijah Winkler: Community Archive Fellow (June 2025 – Present)
- Brianna Hardesty-Biondo: Mellon Foundation Intern (Spring – Summer 2026)
