Milton Charles Richardson was born on December 3, 1939, at Wheatley Hospital to Milton Isaac and Percy Shirley (Smith) Richardson. He later legally changed his name to M.C., a reflection of the distinguished presence by which he would become widely known. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Geraldine Richardson, and his beloved grandson, Micheal Tipler.

 M.C. attended Booker T. Washington, R.T. Cole, and Lincoln Senior High School before proudly enlisting in the United States Navy, serving honorably from February 24, 1959, to February 21, 1963. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at Penn Valley Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Park College—an academic foundation that would support his lifelong influence in media and public service. 

His professional career reflected both leadership and purpose. M.C. served as manager of Parkview Drug Store and later broke barriers as the first minority senior counselor hired by The Kansas City Plan, where he worked diligently to ensure minorities were treated with equity and inclusion in the workplace. His service extended into civic life through his involvement in census initiatives and election campaigns, exemplifying his unwavering commitment to community advancement. Additionally, M.C. was the editor, founder, and publisher of City, Inner and Outer Magazine, using the publication as a powerful platform to inform, uplift, and amplify voices within the community. 

M.C. Richardson was a pioneering force in American media and a steadfast advocate for equity, representation, and access. On August 28, 1974, he founded the United Minority Media Association (UMMA), establishing one of the region’s leading organizations dedicated to advancing opportunities for people of color in television, radio, newspapers, and print media throughout Greater Kansas City and across the nation. His vision helped reshape the media landscape at a time when diverse voices were too often unheard.

 Under Richardson’s distinguished leadership for more than five decades, UMMA became a powerful platform for advocacy, education, and community advancement. He assembled a coalition of respected media professionals and civic leaders to build a strong organizational foundation and worked tirelessly to form strategic partnerships with broadcast associations nationwide. In 1982, his commitment to national engagement led UMMA to become an affiliate of the National Black Media Coalition in Washington, D.C., further amplifying minority representation in media policy and dialogue.

 Richardson championed initiatives that strengthened both community and culture. Through UMMA’s annual Time Well Spent conference, he brought together distinguished speakers, dignitaries, and public servants while honoring individuals whose work advanced children, families, and the broader Midwest region. Deeply invested in the next generation, he founded MY-MIC (Minority Youth Majoring in Communications), a program designed to introduce high school students to careers in media and higher education while fostering internship opportunities with local colleges. 

A trusted voice in broadcasting, M.C. served as a radio announcer and hosted the widely recognized program “Guess Who’s Coming to Kansas City,” extending conversations on culture, leadership, and community throughout the airwaves. His collaborative spirit led UMMA to partner with numerous civic, educational, and cultural institutions, reinforcing his belief that progress is achieved through unity and shared p

Following his honorable service in the United States Navy, M.C. continued his strong work ethic at Hercules Power Plant, where he further demonstrated the discipline, reliability, and leadership that would define his lifelong commitment to service. In 2016, he joined 24-Hour Faith under the leadership of Pastor Tim Hayes Jr., where he remained grounded in faith and fellowship until his health began to decline. 

For over half a century, M.C. Richardson’s intellect, vision, and unwavering dedication elevated the Greater Kansas City community and influenced media spaces far beyond it. Revered for his integrity, compassion, remarkable memory, and engaging humor, he leaves a historic legacy defined by leadership, opportunity, and transformative impact. His life’s work stands as a testament to the power of representation and the enduring responsibility to open doors for generations to follow. 

M.C. will also be lovingly remembered for his vibrant personality and unforgettable expressions that brought laughter and warmth to those around him. Among his favorite sayings were, “I’m M.C. from KC,” “The show must go on,” “Gina, would you let me handle this,” “Call me,” and his humorous classic, “I’ll smack you in the middle of next week.” These words reflected his confidence, quick wit, leadership, and the joy he carried into every room. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Debbie Rena Fuller of Kansas City, Missouri, and Dr. Gina Marie Richardson Taylor (his lovely caretaker); his son, Lance Charles Richardson of the DMV area; and his treasured grandchildren, Loren, Timothy Jr., Jordan (C.L.), and Robert. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Jermaine, Jaya, Jeremiah, Joshua, Ramir, King, Coby, Cairo, Cali, Cori, and Tim III. 

M.C. is further survived by his sister, Sharon Marceline Madge Oliver, and Louise Lee, the mother of his children, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and a grateful community who will continue to honor his legacy.

 A special note of love and appreciation is extended to his granddaughter and best friend, Mariah, whose bond with him was deeply cherished.