Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau’s political career has been filled with firsts that often go unnoticed. The Wichita Democrat was the first Black woman elected to the state Senate. She was the first Black person to serve as minority whip in the chamber. And the first Black person to become assistant minority leader. She’s been in the Kansas Legislature since 2003, and throughout that time people have often assumed she’s not a member. It’s a common sight in Topeka for lobbyists and advocacy groups to provide lawmakers with free boxed lunches. But consistently when Faust-Goudeau goes to pick up her lunch she said she’s stopped and told the lunch is just for state senators. It’s been more than a century since the first Black lawmakers were elected in Kansas and Missouri, yet Black members still make up an overwhelming minority of policymakers in Topeka and Jefferson City. The Star’s Katie Bernard and Kacen Bayless spoke to 16 Black lawmakers in both states from both parties about their real...