On April 25th, 2012 over 60 people gathered on The Plaza, Kansas City’s famous “upscale” shopping district, with its famous fountain historically known for peaceful public assembly of various social and political issues.  The rally program was MC’d by Navy Veteran, Jeff Johnson.  Speakers included:  Dr. Yolanda Huet-Vaughn, famed conscientious objector court-martialed for refusing to serve in Operation Desert Storm. Also, Tom Klammer, consistent public supporter of WikiLeaks and Bradley Maning, host of “Tell Somebody” on KKFI, Kansas City’s community run radio station. Local poets, William Peck, Rachel Asbury, and Ron Faust also spoke.  Dozens of supporters stayed through sunset holding signs and banners by the side of the busy shopping district’s main intersection.

The rally was primarily organized by PeacePlanters KC with assistance from several of Kansas City’s peace organizations including: Physicians for Social Responsibility, American Friends Service Committee KC, PeaceWorks KC, Occupy Kansas City, and Vets for Peace KC. During the days leading up to Bradley Manning’s week of motion hearings, an extensive amount of outreach provided by various Manning supporters was witnessed throughout the city in the form of street postering, handbills, fliers, and a handful of high profile “banner drops” during high traffic hours. Several supportive local businesses were proud to prominently display one of our rally posters in their glass fronts.

KSHB News covered the rally. Watch and read more here.