Urban development in Kansas City often means creating clean, new, modern, safe living and social spaces for decidedly white, middle- to upper-income populations. In a Black youth panel conducted by the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, other Black students expressed that they also have to look elsewhere - in places like Chicago or New Mexico - to find opportunities built for them. Sure, every city has a different fight to wage for equity, but programming for young Black people in Kansas City is so underfunded, overlooked, and unconsidered that it becomes an exhausting and frankly fruitless fight. We know that there is a stigma around mental health in urban communities, and of course I want to be able to reduce that stigma while providing treatment and education, said founder Shantai McCray. (function(u, w, d, a, q, e) { Contact: Teshauna Dawkins 1475 Walnut Street In our community, we have a lot of violence, we have a lot of poverty, we have a lot of broken infrastructure, Barnes said. Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation | Kauffman.org, Content Planning for Events Intern, Public Affairs, Black youth panel conducted by the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, For the economy to restart, everyone must have the opportunity to participate, COVID-19 has revealed paths forward to address inequities in lending, 4 essential ways to expose the myth of meritocracy and build inclusive ecosystems for all. A Kansas City non-profit with the mission of promoting economic development in the city's urban core is under federal investigation. Click here to resend it.). The report says, "the contractor could draw down funds from the agency at any time. Kansas City, MO 64130 ALP is a New York-based organization that dedicates itself to achieving social and economic equality for LGBT communities of color. My email is steve@kcur.org. Kansas City, MO 64109 The organization continues to mobilize and amplify national dialogue around state-sanctioned violence. Calloway said the experience is not unique to GIFT. Harris also claims in the court document that Dixon threatened to kill him if Harris revealed financial improprieties taking place within BEU. Additional Email: usanaccc@gmail.com, National Association of Women in Construction(NAWIC) I, and other young Black people, need to feel that Kansas City is for us. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Please check out AAHTKC.ORG and use our sites page to submit your sites or stories! Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The same audit report says another BEU contractor had complete and unlimited access to the agency's bank account containing Community Services Block Grant funds which is federal money. I ultimately remained in Missouri for college, attending Washington University in St. Louis. Contact: Kim Randolph So far, Teachers Like Me has helped 15 Black teachers. Other panelists echoed that as a community service provider it is important to know how other organizations can help so as not to turn into a one-stop shop. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Religious activists are trying to weaken new protections for LGBTQ workers, Public Integrity acquires tool to make data more accessible to journalists, Public Integrity staff share expertise in using data to cover inequality, Funding decisions often shortchange homeless students, Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Fax: (816)444-3226 Organizers are hoping to raise a half-million dollars in just five days. Its been harder to get funding during the pandemic, however, because of the number of people in the community who lost their jobs. The group played a significant role in, Cut50 is a project by The DreamCorps that aims to reduce the number of people incarcerated through awareness campaigns like. To donate, go to GiveBlackKC.org or you can text GiveBlack22 to 41444. Contact: Michelle Shelly Cunningham, Director She is originally from Colorado and said housing was a huge concern for her. Dacia Martins started UrbnHub during the pandemic to connect families with organizations that serve the urban core. And, its a misconception that running a business is easier than working for someone else, Randolph added. I was sure there was a future for me down south. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Black Lives Matter was formed in response to the, BAJIs efforts to unite black immigrants and African Americans is extremely crucial to overcoming the current, Blackout curates a unique way to protest the repetitive inattention to the work of black artists by tuning out from events like the Academy Awards. A lot of people in the community are afraid of systems. Many communities have business associations and chambers of commerce. If Kansas City prioritized programs which explicitly supported Black youth beginning with increased funding, but also publicity, visibility, and community support the battle for equity would feel a lot less defeating. Get the mixed plate, a combination of ribs, beef and ham, but sub the fries for onion rings andalwaysget a side of beans., If you want anauthentictaste of Africa,Fannie'sis where you go to get it. At the meeting, secretly bugged by authorities, Thomas revealed how skimming works inside Nevada casinos. The Urban League of Greater Kansas City, The Green Line Initiative and G.I.F.T. The original contract included $100,000 of federal money, with $75,000 of those funds budgeted to upgrade the elevator. McCray has lived in Kansas City her whole life. I remember the barn with a large Black power fist painted on it; wandering chickens and produce growing outside and greenery and tanks filled with tilapia inside. The Nia Project plans to offer two programs: Black Women Get Fit, an annual health and wellness event, and a summer program for high school girls. All rights reserved. The future of us is one of the nonprofits chosen for funding. Service said. High near 65F. Kansas City is becoming more welcoming for black women who want to start their own businesses. A lot of people, they dont have a business, theyve created a job. Ajia Morris and her husband started the Greenline Initiative as a response to the challenges they faced as a young Black professional couple looking for housing on Kansas Citys east side. The accusations come in a now-dismissed eviction case current Lincoln Building owner Henry Service filed against BEU in March, 2018. Sign up to receive our freeWatchdog email newsletter, a weekly investigation in inequality from Public Integrity. Fax:(816)421-5247, The Community Voice Let us know on Instagram or via email. We need a lot of different resources.. Here are five major takeaways from the forum. Kansas City, MO 64106 Phone: (816) 283-3456, Kansas City Womens Business Center Phone: (913) 220-0281, Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce That bank had so much trouble, a federal judge took control of it away from the city for eight years before Wood was able to get it back on track. BEU was one of only two agencies not to submit its financial reports and internal control analysis for the city auditors review on time. Those projects included the Basie Court and MLK Village Apartments. Contact: Kelvin Perry That same tax record shows salaries and other employee benefits rose from $7,540 in 2015 to $79,361 in 2016. Many young people are working for change right now, but we need to know were not alone in the fight. BEU appears to have made duplicate payments to contractors.". "For the life of me, I can't explain why they did what they did," Wood said in describing the sale. By providing prison bus services, offering reentry services and newsletter subscriptions for current and former offenders, the organization advocates for the rights of those affected by incarceration. Contact: Leonard Graham When I spoke with Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas in January about my plans to move, he told me we could "build an Atlanta here." If you have an idea for a column, please read the guidelines for contributors. Phone: (816) 471-0550 Phone: (816)472-5246 A Kansas City nonprofit with the mission of promoting economic development in the city's urban core is now under federal investigation. 100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City is devoted to improving the quality of life for young African American men through several mentoring, educational, and life skills programs led by professional men from various industries and fields, serving as community volunteers: "Real Men Giving Real Time. This is jumping off point to begin financial sustainability for these organizations, he said. The program gives money to cities - with relatively few strings attached - to help improve communities. North Kansas City, MO 64116 A judge ruled Harris' accusations inadmissible as evidence because a BEU attorney was not notified prior to Harris, the former BEU board chairman, being questioned. Prior to the election, Lucas served as a council member in Kansas City's third district, which includes the 18th and Vine District. She believes that journalism The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick. Here are some of the organizations Give Black is fundraising for. The first extension, in February 2015, gave BEU an additional $71,500 for that purpose. Soulcentricitea is a tea shop at 37th and Troost where all of the signature drinks are named after prominent Black authors. Business service providers have to create a better ecosystem for Black-owned businesses and that means connecting owners with resources, said Richardson. Getting help from the organization took some weight off her shoulders when she moved to Kansas City for a new job. Morris said the rest of the homes in her community have absent owners who maintain the homes poorly. KCUR serves the Kansas City region with breaking news and powerful storytelling. There, I experienced a sense of belonging and comfort that I had struggled to create for myself in Kansas City. Wood says HVAC duct work was done for businesses on the west side of the Lincoln Building and city receipts show carpeting work was done on the third floor of the building. Raytown Emergency Assistance Program, or REAP, helps families in Raytown through utility assistance and rental assistance, as well as food pantry services. One of the best ways to become educated is to get involved in black-led organizations across the city, she . The Kauffman Foundation focuses on ensuring the Kansas City regions education and learning opportunities are equitable, real-world relevant, and lead to economically-viable careers. With funding from prominent Black organizations, Perry's operation grew to be the first hospital owned and . a = w.amptravel = function(a, p) { It provides scholarships to inner-city students based on character and motivation, not strictly test scores. WELL SEE THEN SO THE CHANG. Curls, principal of Curls Jude Joseph, a real estate firm that does revitalization work in Kansas City, joined other leaders working to support Black business owners there for an online forum recently organized by the Center for Public Integrity and The Kansas City Call newspaper. A Kansas City non-profit with the mission of promoting economic development in the city's urban core is under federal investigation. A mix of clouds and sun with gusty winds. KC's Official Visitors Guide is the place to find insider tips, local favorites and info on whats happening during your next visit. Lawrence, KS (66045) Today. UMKC Innovation Center ); SO WERE TRYING TO IN THAT PIECE AND ENCOURAGE KIDS TO GO TO COLLEGE AND SEEK HIGHER EDUCATION ORGANIZERS BELIEVE WORKING TOGETHER BRINGS CHANGE YOU GIVE A LITTLE YOU GET A LITTLE YOU GIVE A LITTLE AND WE DONT WANT YOU TO DIMINISH OR DISCOUNT THE IMPACT THAT THAT COULD HAVE, YOU KNOW NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE A MILLIONAIRE TO MAKE CHANGES IN PEOPLES LIVES IS REALLY COOL. Despite two contract extensions the city gave BEU to complete the work, it wasn't finished by September, 2016. The Kansas City group G.I.F.T is working to support Black-owned businesses in the pandemic. Collaboration is key Randolph said the Heartland Business Chamber of Commerce ramped up partnerships with other organizations doing similar work during the pandemic. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Generating Income For Tomorrow, or GIFT, aims to close the racial wealth gap in Kansas City by investing in Black-owned businesses when banks wont. Business Process Architect, Commerce Bank, Already have a GuideStar Account? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time. If youre looking to organize against the current, unstable political atmosphere, heres a list of 28 active organizations that service a range of black communities. Follow @kcblackowned on Instagram forfresh information on a daily basis. And the tax record shows mortgages and loans BEU owed rose from $42,648 in 2015 to $492,244 in 2016, which may reflect the $400,000 new loan. Generating Income for Tomorrow is raising money to support five Black-led organizations. What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, Preview what's available here: The Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City launched a program Thursday that aims to provide vital resources to Black-owned businesses in under-resourced communities. HEDFC operates as a bank with federal money used to fund low-income housing projects. Residents can help raise capital for underserved communities trying to build a better Kansas City. Being the only professor of color, it was a big burden of working with Black students and teaching future teachers of color.. I wouldn't have stood for it," Wood said. I actually haven't been in the building myself in a long time.". Learning through measurement and evaluation help us better support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive. As Public Integrity Editor Jamie Smith Hopkins reported in her investigation into the distribution of PPP loans in Kansas City, the once-redlined 64128 ZIP code has just one bank branch. There's so many different types of people in the urban core, Martins said. Fundraiser this week will help Kansas City Black-led organizations, TO BUILD A BETTER, KANSAS CITY. But the 146,000 people who live in the six most populated Zip codes west of Troost and in. 720 Oak St. "A lot of school districts here in Kansas City, Missouri, the counselors are kind of focused on getting people to graduate things outside of school, getting kids to school. Barnes said a grant from Give Black KC would help sponsor the Black Women Get Fit event this October. The former executive director was terminated in March 2003.". Court records show BEU still has 11 active liens against it for unpaid bills dating as far back as 27 years. Theyre not even ever thinking about a bank loan. I remember walking into that building with front-desk security who closely scrutinized and sharply questioned me and the two Black women who walked in with me. I remember riding up the glistening elevator, and walking awkwardly around the immaculate, modern top-floor club room. Additional Email: info@heartlandblackchamber.org, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Phone: (816) 666-9407, Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center (MOPTAC) KANSAS CITY, Mo. Contact: info@midamericalgbt.org Women-led businesses normally don't get funding from funders and things like that, Buckner said. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. The 41 Action News Investigators asked Wood if he believes there's some type of malfeasance with BEU or the city based on the open federal investigation. Phone: (816) 474-3558, American Indian Council Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Residents can help raise capital for underserved communities trying to build a better . By working with her landlord and sharing a waiting space with other businesses, McCray was able to keep Life's Work alive. Service confirms hes in the process of hiring a property manager for the Lincoln Building. Im all about the collective effort, the things that we can do. Sign up for our best content straight to your inbox, and join the conversation on our social channels. Editor: Donna Stewart From the Black Panther Party to the Civil Rights Movement, there have been a number of organizations and movements that have fought to remind the nation that we too are America. But Awesome Ambitions needs funding in order to provide these experiences to girls. By hosting after school programs and workshops, the org plans to train one million young black women in the field by the year 2040. A grant from Give Black would allow her to market better and reach an even wider audience. On Sept. 18, 2014, John A. I remember thinking, as soon as I stepped into that place: I do not belong here. Still, panelists stress the importance of business owners familiarizing themselves with local banks. Winds SW at 25 to 35 mph. The group played a significant role in Justice For Flint, a charity event which was held on the same night as the 2016 Oscars. On top of the initial grants, the Coalition will also . Side hustles that dont turn into legitimate businesses are a problem caused by the education system, Smith said. We can pool resources in order to better serve our community.. Contact: Brenda Bethman Safe Passage is a curriculum based program that focuses on four primary areas: developing life skills both hard and soft promoting education including post high school opportunities like four year colleges, junior colleges, vocational and other programs and certifications leading to career fields community service and exploration of the institutions and cultures of Greater Kansas City. 4747 Troost Ave., Suite 105 TheCenter for Public Integrityis a nonprofit investigative news organization focused on inequality in the U.S. We do not accept advertising or charge people to read our work. Kansas City, MO 64106 Lenexa, KS 66215, Urban League of Greater Kansas City NONPROFIT GIFT IS RAISING MONEY TO SUPPORT FIVE BLACK LEAD ORGANIZATIONS. Kansas City, MO 64130 If it is your nonprofit, add a problem overview. Awesome Ambitions was the key to my high school success. You need to build a relationship with your banker. WeCodeKC gives Black children exposure to computer science. Kansas City, MO 64116 105 Haag Hall I, and other young Black people, need to feel that Kansas City is for us. Through partnerships with other local organizations, WeCode students can build projects and receive stipends to gain real-world experience. Both are slow-cooked until they are fall off the bone tender then served with red beans & rice and steamed cabbage., Go to theKC Daiquiri Shopand preparefor a brain freeze you will actually enjoy. All this week, the nonprofit Generating Income for Tomorrow is raising money to support five Black-led organizations. The 41 Action News Investigators have also reached out to other BEU leaders, including current interim Director Cathy Brodhurst. Unfortunately, urban core-focused organizations, especially Black-led organizations, don't have access to the same funding, therefore hindering their ability to market the families that need the opportunities the most, Martin said. It isnt meant for me. Banking is a system, law is a system, education is a system and theres this myth of entrepreneurship and what that really is thats a system too.. For more information contact the DWMBE program at (816) 513-1836 or hrdgeneral_inquiries@kcmo.org. (Don't see an email in your inbox? Jamie Jiang is a news intern for KCUR 89.3. Email: Brande Stitt, UMKC Womens Center Economic development in the city often equates to gentrification and uprooting the low-income and Black inner-city populations. It's about equality but also equity. When I spoke with Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas in January about my plans to move, he told me we could build an Atlanta here. I smiled at his enthusiasm to convince me to stay but found I couldnt match his confidence. A 41 Action News Investigation reveals federal officials are looking at how the Black Economic Union of Greater Kansas City spent tax dollars. 5100 Rockhill Rd. Wheatley-Provident Hospital began as a sanitarium and nursing school started by Dr. John Edward Perry, who wanted to provide healthcare for the African-American community in Kansas City, according to a presentation to the council. The founder explained that Nile Valleys products are sold to local restaurants, giving the community a place in Kansas Citys economic cycle. Black Organizers For Leaders And Dignity BOLD is a national leadership training program that aims to equip black leaders with the skills needed to place themselves at the forefront of movements for social justice. And the organization severely lacks it. a.v = "2"; Communal care is very important. Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license. Phone: (816) 235-1643 "We determined that the project wasn't going to be completed in a timely fashion and so we basically terminated the contract," Wood, who now serves as director of the Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department, said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I dont necessarily need a replica of Atlanta to be built here, but Ive lived in Kansas City all my life (admittedly, only 20 years). Harris also states in the court record other BEU leaders forged his name on fraudulent board resolutions and misrepresented his participation in other organization matters. With over 30 signature daiquiri mixes,there'ssomething for everyone,but I personally enjoy the Bahama Mama and Purple Passion., Meet KC's Black-owned businesses with KC Black Owned, Looking for moreways to get to know KC's Black-ownedbusinesses? Skip to: Barnes previously mentored Black women and girls, but she said her mentees faced bigger challenges than she could address with mentoring alone. According to Harris' court statement, former BEU director Lyman took out a $400,000 loan for the building in May 2016 just months after Thompson left. I love going for an early lunch on Saturdays after perusing through City Market., From the moment you walk intoGates Bar-B-Qand hear someone yell,Welcome to Gates, how can I help you?to the moment you take your first bite ofpipin'hot barbecue, you'll know why this is such a cult-classic for Kansas Citians. 615 E. 29th St. Harris also opposed the sale and said Lyman and BEU Treasurer Charles Parker lied to him about the the sale's purpose. Organizers believe working together brings change. She previously covered City Hall for The Kansas City Star and joined The Star in January 2020 as a breaking news . According to Policy Link and the USC Program for Environmental and Regional Equity's Profile of the Kansas City Region, "There is a looming skills and education gap for the region's African Americans and Latinos, whose rates of postsecondary education are lower than the share of future jobs that will require that level of education." Owner Nika Cotton said her shop provides comfort and self-care for the Black community. I remember thinking, as soon as I stepped into that place [One Light]: I do not belong here. According to Harris' testimony, former BEU Director Marvin Lyman and long-time BEU advisor Vewiser Dixon - Dixon's wife Cathy Brodhurst is currently BEU's interim director - siphoned BEU money to Dixon's private business. We seek to support the start and growth of new businesses through programs, policies, and practices that give rise to equitable access to entrepreneurship. The Trayvon Martin Foundation aims to spread awareness of the consequences of gun crime and caters to families affected by gun violence. Thats one reason Trinity Davis started Teachers Like Me. **GREAT PART TIME INCOME. The NAACP is a long standing civil rights organization that works on a broad scale to achieve racial justice for citizens in urban communities. Blue Springs, MO 64013-1312 ITS ABOUT EQUALITY. I once stood inside the One Light Luxury Apartments in downtown Kansas City. As an assistant producer on Up To Date, my goal is to amplify voices of people who serve as pioneers in their respective fields while shedding light on issues that affect underserved communities. View City Hall hours and holidays. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. A verification email has been sent to you. "You don't necessarily have to be a millionaire to make changes in people's lives is really cool," Latimer said.Organizers are hoping to raise a half-million dollars in just five days. Phone: (816) 392-7611, Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC) I watched my brother chase chickens with the other young kids and tried to grapple with the fact that I was standing in the middle of a nonprofit community garden and urban farm at 29th and Wabash. And it feels like it never will be. if (w.amptravel) return; Kansas City needs to provide more resources directly to low-income people to create true economic mobility. After receiving hundreds of thousands of tax dollars to fix up the Lincoln Building, including roughly $387,000 in federal stimulus money, $171,500 in federal and city money, and after securing the $400,000 loan, court records show BEU sold the Lincoln Building to Henry Service for $750,000 in 2017. Phone: (816) 472-6767, Kansas City Womens Chamber of Commerce Browse many more Black-owned businesses and restaurants in the Kansas City area below. Contact: Donna Porch Stop the gentrification of neighborhoods near Troost and develop the neighborhood for those that already live there: keep it affordable, remodel whats there, and bring in businesses that the current residents need and want. Banks that Cotton approached for startup capital would only lend to existing businesses. Phone: (303) 623-3037, National Association of Construction Contractors Cooperative (NACCC) 727 Minnesota Ave. I was really excited when they called me and talked about the opportunity to be a part of the collaborative, McCray said. When I host Up To Date each morning at 9 a.m., my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City areas challenges, hopes and opportunities. The following list provides information for contacting some minority and women business organizations and publications. Ruby Jean's Juicery BOLD is a national leadership training program that aims to equip black leaders with the skills needed to place themselves at the forefront of movements for social justice. Phone: (816)531-5253 Naomi Nix, who teaches English at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, was part of the first cohort to join Teachers Like Me. While Lyman declined the 41 Action News Investigators request for an on camera interview, he did say by phone and e-mail that BEU has done a lot of good work in the community, such as building low income housing, during the past 50 years. Founded by Reverend Al Sharpton, the National Action Network operates on the platforms of voter protection, corporate responsibility, anti-violence and criminal justice. Overland Park, KS 66210 Morris said $10,000 from Give Black KC would cover about 40% of renovating an abandoned house, moving The Greenline Initiative closer to turning over another home. Its unjust for the burden of change to fall on Black youth when inequity is consistently maintained by those with power and privilege. According to Service and other tenants, its rare the office is used at all. In 2003, former BEU Director Sylvester Holmes pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling $33,000 of the organization's money. I practiced coming up with, and pitching, a business with a group of other girls, formulated a personal elevator pitch with the help of reporters at 41 Action News, and met several Kansas City-area women of color who mentored me through the college application process. However, as my final years of college approach, one question looms larger and larger: Do I return to Kansas City, or head off to Atlanta? The Kansas City Public Library has resources to check out to learn more about Black entrepreneurs throughout Kansas City history, including this Kansas City directory of Black owned. BEU paid the contractor in excess of actual expenses incurred. "I can confirm the Office of Inspector General (of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Inspector General) did sit down and talk to me and I can confirm that I've got information that the FBI is looking into that organization," Service said in an interview. THE COUNSELORS ARE KINOFD FOCUSED ON GETTING PEOPLE TO GRADUATE THINGS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL GETNGTI KIDS TO SCHOOL. In other communities, local business associations can help find resources. Kansas City, KS 66101 2918 Southwest Blvd. The BEU is one of dozens of non-governmental agencies which receive funding through the city. Yes I was looking before I was old enough to pay rent. A sign now on the window of the office reads, To mail carrier from BEU, please hold all mail in the post office. The auditor notes in that report, When agencies do not report recent information on their financial condition and accounting and internal control structures, its not available to elected officials, the city manager or monitoring departments. Our hometown needs to invest in, make space for, and give its Black community resources to lead or my young, diverse generation will take our talent, leadership, and drive to create equitable, anti-racist communities elsewhere. Court records show after the sale of the Lincoln Building, BEU sued Service to try to get the building back. Know of other businesses that belong on this list? Stories that matter delivered to your inbox.

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