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Our Stories: Topeka and the Exodus

co-hosted by Black American Blueprint Collective

Historians and scholars Lasker Bell Jr, Dale Cushinberry & Michael Kates will be part of this panel discussion on the African Americans who settled in Topeka in the years following the Civil War.

Genealogy librarian Sherri Camp will moderate as each speaker discusses the history of the Exodus to Topeka. Lasker Bell will also discuss Benjamin "Pap" Singleton, the "father of the Exodus."

Panelist - Lasker Bell Jr., originally from Camden, Arkansas, has called Topeka home since 2018. In his primary role, he serves as a Vocational Development Specialist at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Topeka, focusing on supporting homeless veterans. Additionally, he takes on the responsibility of SEPM (Special Emphasis Program Manager) for the MLK Day/Black History Month and Juneteenth observances at the Topeka VA, demonstrating his commitment to honoring cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity. Bell's educational background includes studies at the University of Central Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication with a Minor in African American History. As a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and a retired Army National Guardsman, he brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his endeavors.

Panelist - Dale Cushinberry has an extensive educational journey spanning from Kentucky State to Emporia State University, he has cultivated a rich background in both elementary and secondary education. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Secondary Education, Cushinberry furthered his expertise with dual Master's degrees in Counselor Education and Public School Administration. Although his doctoral pursuits at Kansas State University and Kansas University did not culminate in degrees, they contributed significantly to his academic breadth. Presently in retirement, Cushinberry is actively engaged in uplifting his community, mentoring African American males, as a volunteer for food distribution with Harvesters, and championing initiatives such as the Homeless Project, which provides essential services and support including COVID testing and vaccinations.

Panelist - Michael Kates is a passionate teacher at Robinson Middle School in Topeka. He received his teaching credentials through the Fort Hayes State Transition to Teaching program and is working on a Master of Education in Teaching. Kates is the Historian/Lead Curator with the Black American Blueprint Collective, overseeing exhibitions and collections. Kates is a Board Member of the Spencer Museum of Art, Kansas Council of History Education, and a member of the Community Advisory Board with KTWU in Topeka. He is also a Field Educator with the Kansas Department of Education, providing professional development learning to teachers across Kansas.

Moderator - Sherri Camp is a Librarian at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. She teaches classes and organizes cultural heritage programs and conferences, promoting heritage. Camp has a BA History, BA Sociology, and a Masters in Liberal Studies with a History and Technology focus from Washburn University. Camp is the founding president of Kansas Network to Freedom and chaired the Topeka Underground Railroad Conference and current Director of the Black American Blueprint Collective. She is also the author of African American Topeka published by Arcadia Publishers.

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