Justice Horn’s name was enshrined on the Monument of Freedom, Courage, and Justice in Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday Aug. 24. The honor comes amid Horn’s dedication to the LGBTQ community as one of those that “did not say no” with a continued dedication to “freedom, justice, and courage.”
The GLAAD Media Institute alum was honored with 86 other people at Leon Jordan Memorial Park, home to the 8-foot high statue, and 33-foot long wall for which all 86 names will be enshrined into.
“I was honestly speechless, and teared up after reading the email that I was invited to a ceremony where my name would enshrine on the Monument of Freedom, Courage, and Justice. I was told that I am being honored because of my work in advancing equality through Jackson County through LGBTQ+ rights and civil rights,” Horn said in a statement to GLAAD.
Once the honoree read about his recognition, he told his boyfriend about the great news and called his parents. He was crying, and with pride, Horn’s parents came into town to be with him.
“I don’t do this work for recognition or praise, but as a Black gay man, it means a lot receiving my flowers while I’m still alive. To me, this was a sign that people see me and appreciate the policy I work to pass to make our community more accepting, loving, and just,” Horn said.
People gather at Leon Jordan Memorial Park in Kansas City, Missouri; photo courtesy of Justice Horn.
The Freedom Wall honors those individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities in their ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life in the urban community of Jackson County, Missouri, reads the Freedom Wall Commission website.
“While hard work is essential, passion drives us to keep going even when the going gets tough. Therefore, it’s important to find what we are truly passionate about with dedication and enthusiasm. We do this not for recognition, but for your self and the community we serve,” Jackson County Legislator Venessa Huskey said to honorees this Saturday.
The former City Council candidate has been noticed demonstrating his “passion” in a number of ways.
For instance, the LGBTQ Commission of Kansas City has spearheaded, supported or passed the following, some with the help of Horn:
KCMO Adopts Anti- Discrimination Ordinance (Ordinance 930612 – adopted 5/27/1993)
KCMO Bans Juvenile Conversion Therapy (Ordinance 190902– Adopted 11/14/19)
KCMO Recognizes November 20, as The Transgender Day of Remembrance (Special Action 190966– Adopted 11/14/19)
KCMO Establishes LGBTQ Commission (Ordinance 200907 – Adopted 10/22/20)
KCMO Declares February 7, 2021 annually as Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in KCMO (Special Action 210110– Adopted 2/4/21)
KCMO Flies the Progress Pride Flag atop City Hall – (June 3, 2021)
In May, Horn resigned from the LGBTQ Commission of Kansas City. He lived and served Kansas City for five years. He ran for City Council within that time, as well as has made significant strides for LGBTQ protections in Kansas City.
“After much thought, I’ve made the decision to move on from my role as a city commissioner and no longer call Kansas City home. I am more committed to this fight than ever before, but I want to fight the good fight in my hometown. Thank you so much for the great times and memories, Kansas City—You made this kid from Blue Springs feel like one of y’all,” Horn announced on X.
He isn’t too far away though. He’s just moved 15 minutes down the road back to the town of his roots, Blue Springs.
However, while only 15 minutes away, significant barriers remain in place against the LGBTQ community in Eastern Jackson County.
“I’m moving back to where my name is in high school, where my heart still belongs,” Horn told The Advocate.
Horn will serve in Eastern Jackson County, and broaden LGBTQ protections for which the social justice activist says there are none. He wants to ban conversion therapy, recognize the need for a LGBTQ commission, and LGBTQ pride.
Already, Horn is getting to work. He has been appointed by the county executive to the Jackson County Plan Commission to oversee development plans and hearings for Eastern Jackson County.
Furthermore, the 25-year-old’s impact can be heard and felt throughout Western Missouri.
His journey has just begun.
“The ceremony is going to happen this Saturday and is open to the public. The Freedom Wall Commission picks a group of names that are added to the Freedom Wall each year, and I am included in this year’s names of honorees. I am truly honored and humbled to be remembered alongside others who have made a lasting impact in advanced freedom, justice, and equality across our community. This work is one of my greatest passions and this means a lot,” Horn said ahead of Saturday’s event.
Justice Horn has been part of GLAAD’s education and advocacy programming across the country, specific to Kansas City. The GLAAD Media Institute, GLAAD’s training, research and consulting division, has worked with the young Missouri activist in many media programs or sessions to uplift accurate reporting and stories of LGBTQ people accross the nation. Attendees who complete a program or session with the GLAAD Media Institute are immediately deemed GLAAD Media Institute Alumni.
