CELEBRATE KANSAS CITY 2021 TOP 5 UNDER 30!!!

This year we look forward to the future and offer a glimpse at the NEXTGEN already making their mark in Kansas City.

To wit . . . 

TO FINISH THE YEAR WE SHARE OUR TOP FIVE UNDER 30 FOR KANSAS CITY!!!

This list proves that the discourse continues to evolve as our local conversation continues despite the plauge . . .

We consider these listings as nothing more or less than nominations for consideration and a reminder that locals should grow accustomed to young people earning more recognition and taking more responsibility amid a rapidly aging US population.

And so . . . 

We share this bit of recognition that's likely unwelcome by everyone on this list AND THAT is why it's newsworthy . . .

Justice Horn

Justice Horn rose to prominence during the Kansas City BLM riots/protests and now he's campaigning to be one of the youngest members of the Jackson County Legislature. 

Still in his very early 20s, Mr. Horn has become a leading member of the Kansas City LGBT Commission and a top ranking local progressive activist. 

Justice Horn has a vast array of both critics and supporters yet continues to press forward as one of the busiest political hopefuls in the Kansas City metro.

Aaron Rhodes

Aaron Rhodes is a prolific local music journalist and publisher of the upstart ShuttleCock magazine. Moreover, he's a great example of the future of local community reporting sparked by a respect for metro culture. 

Here's what we like about Mr. Rhodes . . . He's a student of local music and Kansas City history who hasn't yet taken on the INFLUENCER ethos of the Internet. 

Aaron Rhodes is a fan first and that makes his writing, photography & reporting more urgent and inspired.

The future is bright for this young man and we can only hope that so many old school journalists desperate to hang on to their jobs don't thwart his efforts.  

Patrick Mahomes & Brittney Mathews

Brit & Patrick are the homecoming king & queen of Kansas City and there is no underestimating their power.

We'll call them a "local couple" even though they're on the road a lot. 

However . . . 

Consider a lucrative growing list of biz collabs garnered by these power players. 

From women's soccer to charter airlines . . . The home team couple has quickly become the toast of the local biz community after a Super Bowl victory that earned mediocre ratings across the nation. 

Nevertheless . . . 

At only 26 years-old these power players represent the future of Kansas City culture . . . Or lack thereof.

Kansas Rep. Aaron Coleman

Our final nomination is a troubled politico who has been busted but not charged after DUI & family drama. 

Still in his early 20s, Mr. Coleman provides a cautionary tale. 

Of course we still contend that he started his political career as a prank but quickly was attacked by his own party amid a vast array of missteps and a checkered past. 

He admitted bullying & revenge pr0n according to several media sources.

Kansas Democrats claim he threatened the governor. 

And, of course a recent domestic violence arrest has lawmakers begging for the guy to be ousted from his job. 

Meanwhile, there's no sympathy, help or outreach from Republicans who seem to enjoy watching the young man's implosion. 

There's no doubt Mr. Coleman has influenced the Kansas City metro discourse this year and taught us that partisan politics and progressive posturing are far more captivating than any genuine concern about humankind. 

And so . . . 

THIS TOP 5 LIST OFFERS A GLIMPSE AT KANSAS CITY'S FUTURE FOR BETTER OR WORSE!!!

Of course there are many young people we overlooked but we feel like this is a good starting point to consider what the future might hold for the local conversation and the fate of Kansas City.

You decide . . .