black organizations in kansas city

Organizers believe working together brings change. More by Ashley Clarke. Managing Editor: Denise Jordan "I was told that the BEU only had two months before it would face foreclosure and not enough income to pay its utilities. It's about equality but also equity. Learning through measurement and evaluation help us better support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive. 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. 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. Most of the funding came from her own finances, and as it's grown, shes gotten a bigger space and hired more staff. Please check out AAHTKC.ORG and use our sites page to submit your sites or stories! Barnes said a grant from Give Black KC would help sponsor the Black Women Get Fit event this October. The Kauffman Foundation Conference Center is a nationally recognized convening site located adjacent to the Foundation offices in Kansas City. Despite these red flags, the city continued to fund BEU. Weve got to get families to a place where theyre thriving, you know, theyre being successful. Court records show after the sale of the Lincoln Building, BEU sued Service to try to get the building back. "You don't necessarily have to be a millionaire to make changes in people's lives is really cool," Latimer 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.". KCUR serves the Kansas City region with breaking news and powerful storytelling. It also helps teachers with housing. Yes I was looking before I was old enough to pay rent. Now, REAP offers food pantry assistance to 150 families a week and other assistance to 25 families a week. The 41 Action News Investigators went to current BEU board member Martinez Denmon's home to ask questions about BEU. "For the life of me, I can't explain why they did what they did," Wood said in describing the sale. 107 W. 10th St. There's so many different types of people in the urban core, Martins said. Contact: Brenda Bethman CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS The African-American contribution to the fame and fortune of Kansas City is indelible. All rights reserved. Wood - in his then-capacity as assistant city manager and director of the city's Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department - signed the federal money contract with BEU. I feel at home on the campus, and my time spent in the city has been mainly enjoyable. My Brothers Keeper, an initiative of the Obama administration, aims to unite and amplify the voices of black men through mentorship. Keep your current job, and work with us on the side. 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. document 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. The program is open to all, and during my two years as an Awesome Girl the participants were predominantly Black, Latina, mixed-race, and low-income. In other communities, local business associations can help find resources. The Kansas City Anti-Violence Project provides services to crime victims within the LGBTQ. Business education and financial literacy is an integral first step (but not more important than access to capital). Phone: (816) 235-2891, Kansas City Society of Black Architects and Engineers Learn more //-->. We reached out and looked for partners so that we were not trying to be the end-all be-all but if we [could] find partners that had resources that would work that we could come together and say, hey Im going to send these people over to you I need you to do this, Randolph said. I want to be around for a very long time. Cotton said. Raytown Emergency Assistance Program, or REAP, helps families in Raytown through utility assistance and rental assistance, as well as food pantry services. Despite Harris' claim that BEU gave $69,000 to an unqualified contractor to the fix the elevator, Wood says the remaining funds were not given to BEU and re-purposed. Phone: (816) 666-9407, Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center (MOPTAC) Preview what's available here: And the organization severely lacks it. Founded in 1910, The National Urban League uses programs, research and advocacy to advance civil rights for people of color. Records show the city gave BEU two contract extensions to complete work on the Lincoln Building. Please check your inbox in order to proceed. Get to know the organization in your community. I've been a teacher in the classroom, started teaching in 1997 and just noticed the lack of Black teachers in the classroom but also seeing the impact of Black teachers, Trinity said. 816-513-1313 "https://g.amp.travel", Blue Springs, MO 64013-1312 Leaders working to support Black business owners joined an online forum organized. City records show in the 10 year period from 1999 through 2008, Kansas City gave more than $5 million in funding to BEU. Harris states in the court record, "They were talking about paying property taxes and mowing vegetation on all the vacant lot properties Vewiser owns for his upcoming real estate development. Reached by phone, Thompson said a lot of hard work was put into the building. View City Hall hours and holidays. Phone: (816) 283-3456, Kansas City Womens Business Center 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." On the UrbnHub Facebook group, Martins promotes entrepreneurship resources, vaccination events, school events, food banks, employment fairs and other resources to her 477 members. 5737 Swope Parkway I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. Awesome Ambitions was the key to my high school success. Higher wind gusts possible.. Phone: (816) 472-6767, Kansas City Womens Chamber of Commerce A sign now on the window of the office reads, To mail carrier from BEU, please hold all mail in the post office. Through partnerships with other local organizations, WeCode students can build projects and receive stipends to gain real-world experience. The Trayvon Martin Foundation aims to spread awareness of the consequences of gun crime and caters to families affected by gun violence. Seems simple, say members of a Kansas City Health Equity Learning and Action Network working group. Click here to resend it.). The organization focuses on teachers who are in the first three years of their careers, because thats when teachers need the most support. According to Ford, BEU has that office in the Lincoln Building rent free for five years as part of the undisclosed settlement of the organizations lawsuit with Service. Phone: (303) 623-3037, National Association of Construction Contractors Cooperative (NACCC) 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. For additional information on Black-owned businesses, vendors and resources in Kansas City, consult our partners at, Know of other businesses that belong on this list? KANSAS CITY, Mo. 4747 Troost Ave., Suite 105 On Sept. 18, 2014, John A. Incite works to end violence against women of color through organizing events, conferences, circulating newsletters and strategic political initiatives. 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. 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. Search for these by name, type of business, type of ownership or certification code, or view the full list of contractors by leaving all search fields blank. 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. But the 146,000 people who live in the six most populated Zip codes west of Troost and in. 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. "We found that BEU was in terrible trouble, just a mess," Thompson said in the video. 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. 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. According to executive director Michael Watson, REAP began in the basement of Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church in 1982. 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. I remember white tenants walking along the perimeter of the room, making their way to the rooftop pool and giving confused, annoyed looks at the sofas packed with well-clad Black women. e.setAttribute("src", u + "/v" + a.v + "/js"); Harris also claims that loan was concealed from him in his role as board chairman. Buckner also hopes this grant will help WeCode grow larger and partner with businesses in other parts of the nation. She previously covered City Hall for The Kansas City Star and joined The Star in January 2020 as a breaking news . 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. Kansas City, KS 66101 Lenexa, KS 66215, Urban League of Greater Kansas City 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. The summer program is scheduled to launch in 2022. Dacia Martins started UrbnHub during the pandemic to connect families with organizations that serve the urban core. Kansas City needs to provide more resources directly to low-income people to create true economic mobility. I am not interested in remaining in a city that is not made for me. Editor: Elizabeth Lopez Kansas City Chapter President President@WCOEKC.org Uncommon Voices columns bring new perspectives and opinions on topics related to the Kauffman Foundations work. Phone: (816) 924-4441 "Why doesn't the city know where all the money that's been allocated?" That's why a Juneteenth fundraiser is stepping in to get Kansas City organizations access to capital. Click on the link in that email Stories that matter delivered to your inbox. Contact: Robin Norris In budget year 2008 for example, 44 agencies received $100,000 or more in funding from the city or pass-through dollars. And the poverty rate is 36%. Higher ACT test scores open up acceptance to more colleges and additional scholarship opportunities, which are vital in ensuring more students attend four year colleges. 727 Minnesota Ave. In Kansas City, patrons can find Black-owned businesses on Kcblackowned.org, said Richardson. Mission. With the Give Black grant, WeCode would be able to offer stipends to students as well as a salary for developers. Bullington responds by sending a 2014 contract between BEU and the city to improve the Lincoln Building. You can reach me at. There are no source documents, contracts, orders or other to show where that money went.". They dont have a real business, she said. And thats why Give Black is so important.. She is originally from Colorado and said housing was a huge concern for her. Where have all the candidates gone? Once the property manager is in place, the BEU expects to have a more consistent presence at its office in the Lincoln Building.". Additional Email: info@heartlandblackchamber.org, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Seven social justice organizations from the Kansas City area are doubling down on demands for the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department budget to be reduced and for Chief Rick Smith to resign. Still, panelists stress the importance of business owners familiarizing themselves with local banks. about GuideStar Pro. Otherwise, my young, diverse generation will take our talent, leadership, and drive to create equitable, anti-racist communities elsewhere. "Because we know Black-led organizations, just like anything else, have been left out of the philanthropic cycle," said Cornell Gorman, co-found of Generating Income for Tomorrow.GIFT is partnering with the United Way for this campaign. Many young people are working for change right now, but we need to know were not alone in the fight. A weeklong fundraiser to benefit organizations doing grassroots work in the Kansas City-area Black community already is halfway toward its goal. I was attending a reception with Sisters Circle of Greater Kansas City, an organization which had awarded a large grant to Awesome Ambitions. Thats where I come in.. Contact: Simone Garza Editor: Donna Stewart The contractor had control of the account and periodically transferred money out of the account. Phone: (816) 392-7611, Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC) ", Email contact available with a Pro subscription. Associates of the Kauffman Foundation work in partnership with people who share a passion for entrepreneurship and education. One of the best ways to become educated is to get involved in black-led organizations across the city, she . Sign up to receive our freeWatchdog email newsletter, a weekly investigation in inequality from Public Integrity. 720 Oak St. Kansas City needs to create inclusive housing where Black and low-income people can feel safe and welcome. The organization has programs for interpersonal conflict, anger management and restorative processes. 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. 816-800-5025 Peachtree. d.head.appendChild(e); The 100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City is an all-volunteer organization and was formed in 2006, as one of 116 chapters nationally and internationally with over 10,000 members serving 100,000 youth participants. Combined, these Kansas City metro crime prevention programsemploy 31 people, earn more than $965,783 in revenue each year, and have assets of $445,118. Getting help from the organization took some weight off her shoulders when she moved to Kansas City for a new job. This is the start of Give Black KC. Membership in Awesome Ambitions and most of the experiences it provides from college campus visits to introductions to Black businesses owners like Chris Goode, founder of Ruby Jeans Juicery are free or offered at significantly reduced costs for all girls involved. HEDFC, Bank of America and the U.S, Economic Development Administration are among the agencies and businesses which have filed long standing active claims against BEU. e = d.createElement("script"); City Hall Departments Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department (CREO). Organizers are hoping to raise a half-million dollars in just five days. Here are three broad ones that come to mind. On top of the initial grants, the Coalition will also . Phone: (816)471-4898 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 ACT Right program provides free ACT test preparation classes and support for African American high school students, both male and female, helping students become better equipped to score well on the test. Lora McDonald, director of the Kansas City-based social justice organization More2, . Sign up for our best content straight to your inbox, and join the conversation on our social channels. 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. 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. Try a low commitment monthly plan today. We will help you if you want to be helped but you have to meet us halfway, she said. 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. The contractor generated its own invoices and paid itself from the agency's account without agency personnel involvement. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Help us get you more of the nonprofit information you need, including: An email has been sent to the address you provided. 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. Business Process Architect, Commerce Bank, Already have a GuideStar Account? 4220 Shawnee Mission Pkwy #350b Kansas City, MO 64109 I remember white tenants walking along the perimeter of the room, making their way to the rooftop pool and giving confused, annoyed looks at the sofas packed with well-clad Black women. Contact: Kelvin Perry In his 2012 YouTube video, Chester Thompson talked about BEU's debt on those housing projects when he took over the organization in 2007. window, The Kansas City group G.I.F.T is working to support Black-owned businesses in the pandemic. 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. With funding from prominent Black organizations, Perry's operation grew to be the first hospital owned and . Ive been looking at apartments in Atlanta since I was 13 years old. A 41 Action News Investigation reveals federal officials are looking at how the Black Economic Union of Greater Kansas City spent tax dollars. Fax:(816)421-5247, The Community Voice Many small minority- owned businesses dont have access to an adequate amount of credit, so a large part of their capital comes from consumers. Want to explore Waldo? The Coalition will award $5,000 grants to more than 280 Black-owned businesses every fall between 2020 and 2023. Business service providers have to create a better ecosystem for Black-owned businesses and that means connecting owners with resources, said Richardson. Collaboration is key Randolph said the Heartland Business Chamber of Commerce ramped up partnerships with other organizations doing similar work during the pandemic. [CDATA[// >