Mosaic Partnerships™ Topeka, KS
Topeka’s modern dialogue on race is inseparable from Brown v. Board of Education, the 1954 Supreme Court case that began here and ended legal segregation in public schools. The national historic site at Monroe Elementary anchors that legacy and keeps the story present in city life.
2017 the police shooting of Dominique White sparked protests, a lawsuit and sustained debate on accountability and public trust.
2019 community partners staged a 10-day, citywide commemoration—“The 65th Anniversary of Brown v. Board: An Unfinished Agenda”—with tours, symposia, and public programs. That anniversary galvanized residents and leaders to carry the work forward beyond ceremonies.
2020 Following George Floyd’s murder, thousands rallied at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka, with organizers explicitly invoking the White case—evidence of unresolved pain.
2020–2021 A student-led investigation revealed the namesake of nearby Seaman USD 345 had been a local KKK leader, igniting a public reckoning over symbols and legacy.
Topeka United “came together in 2019 after the 65th Anniversary of Brown v. Board,” shifting remembrance into a movement to build inclusive community prosperity “one relationship at a time.” Its mission: turn diversity into daily practices of welcome, equity, and opportunity across Topeka.
2021 Topeka launched Springfield Mosaic Partnerships (inaugural class celebrated Dec. 15, 2021), continued adult cohorts in subsequent years, and expanded to Teen Mosaic to grow the next generation of bridge-builders.
Highlights
People & Organizations Behind Mosaic in Topeka
Program Leaders & Champions
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- Karen Hiller (Topeka City Council; Brown v. Board Sumner Legacy Trust)
- Dr. Beryl New (Topeka Public Schools) have publicly co-led and explained Mosaic’s process and impact.
Community–Law Enforcement Collaboration
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- Topeka Police Cpt. Jerry Monasmith joined the Mosaic coaching team—an important signal for trust-building.
Local Funders & Hosts (Inaugural 2021 and early cohorts)
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- Hill’s Pet Nutrition
- U.S. Bank
- Topeka Community Foundation
- Kansas Gas Service
- Envista Credit Union
- AARP Kansas
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
- Sunflower Foundation
- Prairie Glass Studio.
Community Amplifiers
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WIBW / Eye on NE Kansas
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KSNT / 27 News
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TK Magazine have boosted awareness and recruitment
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Teen Mosaic outreach
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Results So Far (Selected Highlights)
Cohort continuity: Multiple adult and teen cohorts convened since 2021, with annual recruitment and graduation events documented by local media.
Cross-sector engagement: Participation has included educators, business leaders, students, faith leaders, and law enforcement—broadening buy-in for citywide change.
Civic visibility & funding: Foundations and major employers have invested in Mosaic, reflecting mainstream support for relationship-based equity work.
Public storytelling: Topeka United curates community stories and a Social Compact pledge, normalizing shared responsibility for inclusion.
Bottom line
Topeka United’s decision to implement Mosaic grew directly from the 2019 Brown v. Board 65th anniversary and was reinforced by local flashpoints and national protests-a shift from commemoration to structured, measurable relationship-building.
Mosaic Partner Paris Class of 2023
Main Street Living Webcast
Meeting a Mosaic Partner Pair
