On top of the initial grants, the Coalition will also . The founder explained that Nile Valleys products are sold to local restaurants, giving the community a place in Kansas Citys economic cycle. Phone: (816) 283-3456, Kansas City Womens Business Center For more information contact the DWMBE program at (816) 513-1836 or hrdgeneral_inquiries@kcmo.org. Awesome Ambitions was the key to my high school success. Women-led businesses normally don't get funding from funders and things like that, Buckner said. In the document, Harris wrote the contractor clearly is not qualified to do such technical work which requires a license and the elevator never got fixed.". . 4747 Troost Ave., Suite 105 Background: The African American Heritage Trail of Kansas City, Mo. 1715 E. 18th St. 26. 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. "You give a little you get a little bit, you give a little, and we don't want you to diminish or discount the impact that can have," Gorman said. Ashley is Audience engagement editor for the Center for Public Integrity. Browse many more Black-owned businesses and restaurants in the Kansas City area below. Morris said the rest of the homes in her community have absent owners who maintain the homes poorly. It provides scholarships to inner-city students based on character and motivation, not strictly test scores. There, I experienced a sense of belonging and comfort that I had struggled to create for myself in Kansas City. about GuideStar Pro. This is Give Black KC Week a fundraiser for Black-led organizations in the metro. At the center of the investigation is the historic Lincoln Building, one of the crown jewels of the city's 18th and Vine District, and specifically how BEU spent - or did not spend - money on the building prior to selling it to attorney Henry Service in 2017. I once stood inside the One Light Luxury Apartments in downtown Kansas City. Kansas City Public Schools names 'homegrown' educator Jennifer Collier as next superintendent. Adrienne Haynes, the managing partner at the business law firm SEED Law, says there's more . I was blessed to have the experience of being a member of Awesome Ambitions, a career- and college-readiness program founded by Cynthia Newsome for girls in grades 8-12. 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She previously covered City Hall for The Kansas City Star and joined The Star in January 2020 as a breaking news . Kansas City, MO 64130 That's because right now, health care organizations in Kansas City are not aligned in how they collect data around race, ethnicity, [] Sign up for our best content straight to your inbox, and join the conversation on our social channels. City records show in the 10 year period from 1999 through 2008, Kansas City gave more than $5 million in funding to BEU. Email: Brande Stitt, UMKC Womens Center Weve got to get families to a place where theyre thriving, you know, theyre being successful. 3200 Wayne Ave., Suite 204 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. Contact: Michelle Shelly Cunningham, Director The BEU is one of dozens of non-governmental agencies which receive funding through the city. My vision is to get past the safety net, Barnes said. A Kansas City non-profit with the mission of promoting economic development in the city's urban core is under federal investigation. Cotton plans to use the grant from Give Black KC to extend her lease on the shop. Reached by phone, Harris declined comment about his accusations in the court record. We will help you if you want to be helped but you have to meet us halfway, she said. The week-long fundraiser helps local Black organizations that may have trouble accessing capital due to racial inequity in lending practices. Many students may not be interested or be able to afford to go to college. Economic development in the city often equates to gentrification and uprooting the low-income and Black inner-city populations. KANSAS CITY, Mo. 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 organization focuses on teachers who are in the first three years of their careers, because thats when teachers need the most support. Higher wind gusts possible.. 11249 Strang Line Rd. Kansas City, MO 64105 By working with her landlord and sharing a waiting space with other businesses, McCray was able to keep Life's Work alive. Lifes Work Counseling and Consulting is a therapy business that offers culturally-competent counseling to Black communities with therapists from the same background as their clients. So, Kansas City, Ive asked my question why should I stay? Independence, MO 64057 Now, REAP offers food pantry assistance to 150 families a week and other assistance to 25 families a week. But audit records show BEU had multiple accounting problems from 2004 through 2006 with the city's Housing and Economic Development Finance Corporation or HEDFC. 8645 College Blvd., # 110 But Awesome Ambitions needs funding in order to provide these experiences to girls. 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. So, we're trying to step in that piece and encourage kids to go to college and seek higher education," said Brenan Latimer, co-founder of The Future of Us.Organizers believe working together brings change. Harris claims tens of thousands of dollars of the organization's money were funneled from BEU to other organization leaders for their own personal benefit. Kansas City's GIFT organization seeks to build Black wealth by growing small businesses in the urban core, which have faced decades of historical discrimination 'It works.' An e-mail from Bullington to Lorek shows BEU spent less than $24,000 of the $100,000 in federal money and less than $39,000 of the $71,500 in Kansas City sales tax money fixing up the Lincoln Building. KC's Official Visitors Guide is the place to find insider tips, local favorites and info on whats happening during your next visit. Editor: Donna Stewart 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. 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. City Hall Departments Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department (CREO). According to Service and other tenants, its rare the office is used at all. When the 41 Action News Investigators asked Wood why the city would agree to give money to fix the elevator and five years later, still hasn't inspected it after the permit ran out, he replied, "I don't know. Contact: info@midamericalgbt.org KC Chapter Information Info@WCOEKC.org A 41 Action News Investigation reveals federal officials are looking at how the Black Economic Union of Greater Kansas City spent tax dollars. 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. Buckner also hopes this grant will help WeCode grow larger and partner with businesses in other parts of the nation. Jamie Jiang is a news intern for KCUR 89.3. Contact: Joe Arce It's anooey-gooey mixture of aged cheddar, cognacboursincheese with lobster claw and knuckle meat, all on toasted sourdough., I live dangerously close toIsland Spiceand consider it my tropical culinary getaway when I'm cravingCaribbeanfood. On the UrbnHub Facebook group, Martins promotes entrepreneurship resources, vaccination events, school events, food banks, employment fairs and other resources to her 477 members. Fax: (816) 924-1803, Women Construction Owners and Executives KC Chapter (WCOEKC) In BEU's case, the city money in question comes from the federal community block grant program. Business Process Architect, Commerce Bank, Already have a GuideStar Account? The African American Heritage Trail Website is live! In other communities, local business associations can help find resources. Kansas City, KS 66101 55th St. I had never imagined Black empowerment looking like a nonprofit urban farm but visiting Nile Valley changed the way I imagined how inner-city Black folks could attain a place in the economic cycle. In an email response to the 41 Action News Investigators, Dixon called Harris' accusations against him "false, unfair and unwarranted.". It's about equality but also equity. *** We are a Black Owned Organization that focuses on spreading awareness of several 501(c)8 Not-For-Profit programs/benefits/resources that was created to support and give a helping hand to underprivileged communities, yet isn't being fully utilized simply because most don't know they exist. Overland Park, KS 66210 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. The Chicken & Donut Deluxe sandwich takes a crispy fried chicken breast, fried egg, crispy bacon and sandwiches it all between two donut halves., "I could write a 30-page dissertation aboutUrbanCafs lobster grilled cheese. 100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City, Inc. The Kauffman Foundation Conference Center is a nationally recognized convening site located adjacent to the Foundation offices in Kansas City. Collaboration is key Randolph said the Heartland Business Chamber of Commerce ramped up partnerships with other organizations doing similar work during the pandemic. Side hustles that dont turn into legitimate businesses are a problem caused by the education system, Smith said. 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. It's a week-long campaign to raise grant money supporting black-owned businesses and nonprofits. We always hear a lot about, you know, taking care of ourselves, but its so important that we take care of each other. Smith rattled off a list of resources available to business owners in Kansas City: The panelists emphasized the importance of business owners knowing where to turn to for support. UMKC Innovation Center She also says Special Agent Lorek has interviewed her as part of his ongoing investigation, specifically asking her about BEU. Soulcentricitea is a tea shop at 37th and Troost where all of the signature drinks are named after prominent Black authors. "We had to put about a million dollars in refurbishing this building," Thompson said. Many young people are working for change right now, but we need to know were not alone in the fight. 100BMGKC has structured their mentoring programs to work to close the educational gap for African American students in Kansas City and to equip, enrich and empower young men so they can make the choices necessary to lead healthy, successful and satisfying lives. The organization continues to mobilize and amplify national dialogue around state-sanctioned violence. "Where is it?". In the city auditor's Dec. 31, 2003 report, it states "BEU paid a contractor without the contractor submitting invoices for approval. THE COUNSELORS ARE KINOFD FOCUSED ON GETTING PEOPLE TO GRADUATE THINGS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL GETNGTI KIDS TO SCHOOL. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Kansas City, MO 64116 The second annual Give Black KC event,. Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City Contact: Kelvin Perry 5737 Swope Parkway Kansas City, MO 64130 Phone: (913) 220-0281 Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce Contact: Kim Randolph 607-a Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, KS 66101 Phone: (913) 948-7680 Additional Email: info@heartlandblackchamber.org Hispanic Chamber of Commerce document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time. Fairway Corporate Center 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. 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. And it feels like it never will be. The Kansas City group G.I.F.T is working to support Black-owned businesses in the pandemic. Contact: Teshauna Dawkins These efforts require funding and, in some cases, volunteer support. Investigating the systems and circumstances that contribute to inequality. A Kansas City non-profit with the mission of promoting economic development in the city's urban core is under federal investigation. The 41 Action News Investigators obtained a series of emails between Special Agent Joseph Lorek from HUD and Stuart Bullington, the now former assistant director of Kansas City's Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department. 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. Kansas City, MO 64108 Editor: Elizabeth Lopez 816-234-4784. In that court document - which Harris signed under oath and is still part of the public court record - it states, "Illegal wire transfer took place. Programs like Awesome Ambitions, which encourage economic and social mobility, prepare young people for college and careers, and create rich networking opportunities, should be heavily funded. The Marlo house in Kansas City was the site of a 1978 meeting between Civella crime family members and Tropicana hotel-casino executives Carl Thomas from Las Vegas. WeCodeKC gives Black children exposure to computer science. ", Also in the same report it states, "BEU's former executive director's name remained on an account for the agency's Community Service Block Grant until December, 2004. 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." Please check your inbox in order to proceed. KANSAS CITY, Mo. CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS The African-American contribution to the fame and fortune of Kansas City is indelible. I know that right now, many folks are looking to young people, the up-and-coming generation, as the change-makers. Payments were not supported by invoices or other documentation. Urban development in Kansas City often means creating clean, new, modern, safe living and social spaces for decidedly white, middle- to upper-income populations. 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. I ultimately remained in Missouri for college, attending Washington University in St. Louis. Kauffmans Currents features stories and insights that underscore the essential role of education and entrepreneurship in empowering all people to shape their futures, create vibrant communities, and grow an inclusive economy. Help us get you more of the nonprofit information you need, including: An email has been sent to the address you provided. Those projects included the Basie Court and MLK Village Apartments. Olathe superintendent spars with Kansas Republicans over why so many K-12 teachers are leaving. Phone: (816) 472-6767, Kansas City Womens Chamber of Commerce Organizers believe working together brings change. African-American Community in Kansas City From art and music to food and sports, the contributions of Kansas City's African-American community are vital to the city's culture. Public Integrity doesnt have paywalls and doesnt accept advertising so that our investigative reporting can have the widest possible impact on addressing inequality in the U.S. Our work is possible thanks to support from people like you. Get to know the organization in your community. ); We need to start normalizing building essential relationships. Richardson said. **GREAT PART TIME INCOME. Time and time again, black Americans have often come together in vulnerable times through mobilization. I, and other young Black people, need to feel that Kansas City is for us. 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. 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. 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. Black-Owned Businesses in Kansas City | Visit KC Support Black-Owned KC Businesses The opportunities to support KC's local Black-owned businesses are vast, from favorite area restaurants to bookstores that foster a connected community of readers. 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. Records show the city gave BEU two contract extensions to complete work on the Lincoln Building. But it's not. 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.
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