This article is the first publicly accessible archival record of Soakie’s: a Black gay bar in Kansas City that served as a sanctuary for Black queer life in the early 2000s—and whose existence had been all but erased. Rooted in months of research, intergenerational oral history, and memory work, the piece sparked widespread community recognition: over 100,000 views across all social media shares, grant funding and coverage across multiple media platforms.

More than a reflection, this Soakie’s article is a restoration–a foundation for future organizing, exhibitions, and ritual acts of cultural return through {B/qKC}.

“Thank you for your very necessary passion and commitment to preserving OUR stories and experiences!”

NAFASI CENTER, INSTAGRAM POST ABOUT “REMEMBERING SOAKIE’S…”