McCormick, Mark
Mark McCormick
Mark E. McCormick is the Director of Strategic Communications for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Kansas. McCormick is a distinguished New York Times best-selling author with over two decades of experience as a reporter, editor, and columnist. He has also served as a trustee at the University of Kansas School of Journalism and held the position of Professional in Residence at the University of Oklahoma.
‘It always seems to work out that the people who are the most vulnerable are always in harm’s way. And that’s a lesson that has been with me from the time I was aware of anything in the world today.” – Mark E. McCormick, 2023
McCormick, M. (2021). Assets and deficits: Establishing an African-American narrative.
McCormick, M. (2020). Some Were Paupers, Some Were Kings: Dispatches from Kansas. Wichita, Kansas: Blue Cedar Press.
McCormick, M. (2023, August 27). Rise of Kansas’ Barry Sanders shows how Black talent was — and still is — overlooked. https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/27/rise-of-kansas-barry-sanders-show…
McCormick, M. (2023, April 16). Kansas lawmakers’ flimsy ‘woke’ narrative melts under heat of civil rights history. https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/16/kansas-lawmakers-flimsy-woke-narr…
McCormick, M. (2023, February 26). Black History Month means empowerment. That provokes attacks on education in Kansas and U.S. https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/26/black-history-month-means-empower…
Mark E. McCormick grew up in Wichita, Kansas, in a neighborhood marked by the historical segregation of the 1950s and 1960s when the city ranked among the most divided in the nation. McCormick’s school district reflected this struggle for integration. It took 18 years to achieve unity, an extended timeline not uncommon in various cities across the American South. These experiences growing up significantly shaped McCormick’s perception of the world.
McCormick’s familial roots extend to Boley, Oklahoma, an all-black town where his parents grew up. In this unique community, every authoritative figure, including the mayor and police chief, was African American. McCormick’s grandfather was the Boley police chief for over 50 years. The dynamics of such a society left an indelible mark on McCormick.
A pivotal influence on McCormick’s journey into journalism was his sister, who, since the age of 15, sparked his interest in the field. She earned the title of High School Journalist of the Year in high school. Following her footsteps, McCormick pursued journalism at the University of Kansas, where he later became a trustee. He earned a bachelor’s degree in News/Editorial Journalism from the University of Kansas in 1990.
McCormick began his journalism career in 1990 as a Religion Writer for The Louisville Courier Journal. He held the position until 1995 when he returned to Wichita as a Writer/Editor/Columnist for The Witchita Eagle. His distinguished contributions have earned him over 20 industry and community accolades, including three gold medals from the Kansas City Press Club and five Gold Awards. McCormick is an impactful journalist and storyteller and, in 2003, had the privilege to collaborate with Barry Sanders to write Barry Sanders: Now You See Him … His Story in His Own Words.
During a significant chapter in McCormick’s career at the Reno Gazette-Journal in Reno, Nevada, he embarked on a journalistic journey that earned him the General News Writing Award from the esteemed national journalism competition, the William Randolph Hearst contest. One of the most impactful stories he covered was of a courageous woman rancher who saved her husband from a lightning strike while on the range. In the harrowing incident, a lightning bolt struck between them, claiming the life of her husband’s horse and immobilizing her husband. She administered life-saving CPR and, having been thrown from her horse, jogged five miles to reach a car and seek help.
McCormick’s journey was not without challenges. A recurrent theme in his newsroom experiences was his propensity to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, often making editors uneasy with the daring subjects he proposed. One such instance involved a rejected proposal for a series on white flight. Unfazed, McCormick redirected his focus to a groundbreaking series titled “Black Flight Stories,” exploring the African American community’s dynamics in Wichita and Kansas—delving into both those who left in a “black brain drain” and those who made a deliberate choice to remain resilient against gentrification pressures.
In 2009, McCormick became the Director of Communications at The Kansas Leadership Center. In 2013, he became Executive Director of The Kansas African American Museum. His work there inspired two of his books. In 2015, McCormick co-authored African Americans of Wichita, and in 2017, he wrote Some Were Paupers, Some Were Kings: Dispatches From Kansas.
In 2018, McCormick joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Kansas as the Director of Strategic Communications while working at the Kansas African American Museum. In 2020, Wichita State University named his book, Some Were Paupers, Some Were Kings, its ‘campus read’ book for the year. All students read the book, it was taught in several classes, and McCormick gave the convocation address. In his speech, he challenged the school to create a certificate or degree program on dismantling systemic racism. In the years since, he has been helping the university build the curriculum and infrastructure for this program. McCormick is deeply committed to educational and community endeavors. He is a trustee at the University of Kansas School of Journalism and served as a Professional in Residence at the University of Oklahoma.
McCormick’s career has also included significant contributions to documentary films. He was featured in NFL Films’ “Barry Sanders: A Football Life”. He also appeared in “Roots and Branches: Preserving the Legacy of Gordon Parks,” a documentary highlighting Wichita State University’s pursuit of the collected works of the renowned photographer, writer, filmmaker, and native Kansan, Gordon Parks. McCormick appeared in the documentary “William Allen White: What’s the Matter With Kansas?” which focused on the life and work of journalist and statesman William Allen White.
McCormick has held a significant role in the Association of African American Museums, where he served as a national board of directors member and chaired the communications committee.
In 2022, McCormick was named Deputy Executive Director of the ACLU of Kansas and left the African American Museum to dedicate all his time to the ACLU of Kansas. This exciting opportunity allows him to advocate more for social justice and civil liberties. He has consistently devoted his career to public service, and this new position aligns with his commitment to advocacy. McCormick’s commitment to various causes reflects his dedication to improving society.
McCormick is committed to shedding light on societal issues that others might shy away. He covered a tragic incident in a convenience store where patrons callously ignored a stabbed woman for several minutes before seeking help. The article exposed a chilling aspect of societal indifference, allowing apathy to persist. Such stories reflect McCormick’s unwavering dedication to bringing attention to the uncomfortable realities that often lurk beneath the surface of everyday life. His work as a New York Times best-selling author has significantly impacted the literary world.
When McCormick was a student at the University of Kansas, his path in journalism intersected with a pivotal mentorship that profoundly influenced his career. This mentor was Samuel Adams, a trailblazing black journalist of remarkable accomplishments. Their bond grew so strong that McCormick affectionately began to refer to him as “Daddy Sam.”
Adams earned a place in the Congressional Record as a runner-up for the Pulitzer Prize twice, for initiating the war on hunger. In a daring undercover assignment for the St. Petersburg Times, he worked as a migrant farm worker in Florida, exposing the harsh conditions at a camp ironically named “Camp Happy.” Despite the dangers, Adams, red-green colorblind and tasked with selecting specific-colored tomatoes, risked his safety to report the truth. This story prompted President Johnson to visit Camp Happy and begin the national war on hunger. Adams made history as one of the first African Americans to teach journalism at a predominantly white institution (PWI).
McCormick attributes much of his current success and accomplishments to Adams, emphasizing the profound impact of his mentorship. Sadly, Adams has now passed away, but McCormick cherishes the moment he dedicated a book to Adams, expressing his gratitude before his passing. Reflecting on Adams’ teachings, McCormick often recalls two maxims: “If you see me in a fight with a bear, help the bear,” and “If you see a good fight, get in it.” These principles have guided McCormick’s approach to journalism and life, shaping his commitment to engage with important issues.
As a mentor, McCormick has made a lasting impact on his involvement in the lives of others. During his career as the religion writer for the Louisville Courier-Journal in Kentucky, McCormick spent every Monday mentoring elementary school children in his neighborhood. The kids struggled to pronounce “McCormick,” and they affectionately called him “Mr. Kansas.”
One of his former students, now thriving in the banking industry and residing in Atlanta, reached out to McCormick after many years. The student expressed deep gratitude, reminiscing about McCormick’s encouragement to him and his peers. The unexpected message highlighted the enduring impact mentors can have on the lives of those they guide.
McCormick’s commitment to mentorship extends beyond this singular instance. For over 30 years, he has engaged with young students, conducting reporting exercises and storytelling workshops. These activities aim to instill journalistic skills and storytelling abilities in children, fostering their creativity and communication skills. McCormick’s dedication to mentorship has left an indelible mark on numerous lives in Kansas and Kentucky, creating a ripple effect that resonates with those he has guided over the years.
Drawing from McCormick’s experiences and insights, his advice resonates with a profound understanding of systemic challenges and the impact of inequality. Here’s a distilled version of his advice:
Navigate the Landscape of Inequality: McCormick’s upbringing in a neighborhood near a slaughterhouse, railroad, and dump shaped his awareness of systemic issues. He emphasizes the impact of historical segregation and how marginalized communities often bear the brunt of environmental hazards due to their restricted living spaces.
Challenge Systemic Racism: As a journalist, McCormick delved into the “death economy” prevalent in many black communities, where limited access to healthy food options and an overabundance of harmful establishments, such as liquor stores and smoke shops, perpetuate systemic racism. His work highlights the importance of addressing and challenging these inequities.
Understand Intersections of Inequality: McCormick underscores how systemic racism intersects daily life, from limited access to healthy food to overrepresenting liquor stores. He emphasizes the need to recognize these intersections to address the root causes of inequality effectively.
Advocate for Vulnerable Communities: One key lesson from McCormick’s experiences is that systemic inequality often harms the most vulnerable individuals. His advice encourages advocacy for these communities, recognizing the importance of addressing societal structures that perpetuate harm and finding ways to uplift the voices of the marginalized.
Stay Informed and Aware: McCormick’s awareness of these issues dates back to a tragic plane crash in his neighborhood, highlighting the importance of staying informed about the historical context of systemic challenges. He encourages individuals to be aware of the broader societal implications and how systemic issues manifest in everyday life.
Promote Equity and Justice: In confronting systemic racism and inequality, McCormick’s advice extends to promoting equity and justice. He underscores the need for individuals to actively contribute to dismantling unjust systems and advocating for positive change within their communities.
Learn from History: McCormick’s personal history is a reminder of the consequences of systemic racism. His advice encourages learning from historical events and understanding their implications, emphasizing the importance of informed action in pursuing a more just society.
African American Heritage Trail. n.d. Mark McCormick. https://aahtkc.org/markmccormick KAAAC. 2023. Mark McCormick. https://kaaac.ks.gov/about-us/kaaac-commissioners/mark-mccormick
Mark McCormick. n.d. Home [LinkedIn Page]. LinkedIn. Retrieved November 3, 2023 from https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-e-mccormick-6991a862/.
Rengers, Carrie. (2018, May 10). Mark McCormick to once again leave Kansas African American Museum. The Wichita Eagle. https://www.kansas.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/carrie-rengers/ar…
Survey and interviews conducted by Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Sustainability Initiative staff. 2022-2023. Yale University-School of the Environment. New Haven, Connecticut.