Why doesn’t anybody seem to be talking about Viola Davis and ‘The Woman King’ movie?

Historical lesson

Recently, my husband and I had the pleasure of viewing the film “The Woman King,” in which the well-known American actress Viola Davis portrays the leader of the women warrior troops the Agojie defending the Dahomey African dynasty against enemy attacks and complicity with European slave traders in the 1800s. It is shocking that this film, of great dramatic and historic value, so beautifully portrayed with very fine performances by leading and supporting actresses, has received so little publicity. I hope this will change.

In these times of dangerous and murderous racial, religious and political conflict pushing us toward the demise of our democracy and to the very brink of fascism, we should recognize and appreciate such works of artistic excellence that give us greater understanding of African history, and the struggle against the capture and trade of African people to serve the Western world as slaves.

- Betty L. McLane-Iles, Kirksville, Missouri

Walk for a cure

Before my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease earlier this year, I had no idea that the colors of flowers could take on such profound significance. On Sunday, Oct. 2, thousands will join me in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and we will carry flowers representing our motivation for fighting this horrific disease.

As one of my dad’s caretakers, I will carry a yellow flower. Others will carry purple flowers because they have lost loved ones to Alzheimer’s, and those with blue flowers have the disease. Those supporting the vision of a world without Alzheimer’s will carry orange flowers. I become emotional when I think that someday, there will be a white flower for those who survive Alzheimer’s.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s raises money to provide care and support to families while advancing critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention. Please join me Oct. 2 at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. You can register at alzwalkkc.org. Our stories may be different, but our vision is the same: a world without Alzheimer’s disease.

- Kathy Collins, Prairie Village

Why we know

In her Sept. 18 front-page column “Thank former KCK cop’s victims for his arrest,” Melinda Henneberger listed three reasons Roger Golubski “is wearing cuffs.” I would disagree with her and say there are four reasons — the fourth being Melinda’s multiple columns bringing the stories of the brave women who came forward into the public realm.

If ever there was an example of the value of journalism, Melinda’s dogged efforts stand out. We need the media to shine a light on both the good and the bad. Thank you, Melinda, for the reminder.

- Karen I. Johnson, Westwood

Who’s hurt most

Who are the people most affected by high drug costs? Low- and middle-income people.

Who are the people most affected by parents and politicians regarding school subjects to be taught and who can use what bathroom? Children and low-paid teachers who probably have more education than a lot of parents.

Who are the people affected by anti-abortion rights fanatics? Low-income women and people who have serious health issues that will affect mother and baby.

Who are the ones most affected by stricter or unnecessary voting laws? Low-income, retired people and individuals of color especially.

Who is affected by police brutality? People of color, but also taxpayers whose dollars pay for settlements with victims instead of the police getting rid of the offending officers.

Who is most affected by gun violence? Children.

I am frustrated with hikes in interest rates that again are felt most by low- and middle income people and retirees.

The people who are most able to pay will not feel a thing. They are protected by the very people making the decisions.

- Mary Hutchinson, Kansas City

Judgment call

Who judges a judge when a judge ceases to judge?

- Richard Clyde Lumpkin, Prairie Village