black organizations in kansas city

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? By: Andy Alcock Posted at 10:30 AM, Sep 26, 2019 A 41 Action News Investigation reveals federal officials are looking at how the Black Economic Union of Greater Kansas City spent tax dollars. Phone: (913) 432-3486, Dos Mundos Bilingual Newspaper A lot of people, they dont have a business, theyve created a job. There are networks of young Black people, especially Black women, doing the things I want to do: writing fiction, engaging in the arts scene, working at predominantly Black nonprofits, founding organizations for Black girls, supporting a wide variety of Black-owned businesses, and attending predominantly Black colleges. Through partnerships with other local organizations, WeCode students can build projects and receive stipends to gain real-world experience. 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. Harris also opposed the sale and said Lyman and BEU Treasurer Charles Parker lied to him about the the sale's purpose. The 41 Action News Investigators, on multiple occasions over several months, have gone to BEUs office in the Lincoln Building seeking comment. Organizers are hoping to raise a half-million dollars in just five days. Keep your current job, and work with us on the side. Jamie Jiang is a news intern for KCUR 89.3. 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. With over a million members, Color of Change works to end racial injustice manifested in the media, economy and criminal justice system. Website: www.buildersassociation.com, Unified Contractors of Kansas City (UCKC; unification of Hispanic Contractors Association of Greater Kansas City and Minority Contractors Association of Greater Kansas City) 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? 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. If it is your nonprofit, add a problem overview. It all starts with access to opportunity for people to improve their lives. Blue Springs, MO 64013-1312 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. And, its a misconception that running a business is easier than working for someone else, Randolph added. Skip to: City Hall Departments Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department (CREO). 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. High near 65F. 105 Haag Hall Let us know on Instagram or via email. Just knowing that I could come into a program that already secured the housing that takes off that first piece of 'Oh my gosh, where am I gonna go?'. 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. 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. Former BEU Board Chairman Chester Thompson spoke about fixing up the Lincoln Building in a YouTube video recorded at that building in 2012. 55th St. In other communities, local business associations can help find resources. The week-long fundraiser helps local Black organizations that may have trouble accessing capital due to racial inequity in lending practices. Phone: (816) 472-6767, Kansas City Womens Chamber of Commerce 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. By hosting after school programs and workshops, the org plans to train one million young black women in the field by the year 2040. Kansas City, MO 64109 Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license. 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. A mix of clouds and sun with gusty winds. The contractor authorized all payments during the fiscal year from the program fund. Fax: (816) 471-8543, American Indian Enterprise & Business Council In order to be helped, business owners have to be patient and willing to accept constructive criticism, she said. Kelly Eckerman. I remember thinking, as soon as I stepped into that place [One Light]: I do not belong here. 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. Banks can be reluctant to lend to Black-owned businesses and nonprofits. Phone: (816) 235-1643 To donate, go to GiveBlackKC.org or you can text GiveBlack22 to 41444. *** 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. Leaders working to support Black business owners joined an online forum organized. It's about equality but also equity. A bank today is still less likely to give a loan to somebody on Prospect because its not seen as economically viable as starting that business on Main Street, said Brandon Calloway, co-founder and CEO of GIFT. 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. e = d.createElement("script"); The original contract included $100,000 of federal money, with $75,000 of those funds budgeted to upgrade the elevator. If its the right bank they can advocate for you, she added. They don't need a four-year college degree.. Atlanta-based organization Sister Love commits itself to educating women of color about reproductive health, safe sex and HIV/AIDS. The Kansas City Anti-Violence Project provides services to crime victims within the LGBTQ. It would help tremendously, Watson said. "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. Black Americans comprise more than 12% of the population but account for less than 6% of doctors in the United States. 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. Everybody needs something different.. 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. Follow @kcblackowned on Instagram forfresh information on a daily basis. Kansas City, KS 66106 Many young people are working for change right now, but we need to know were not alone in the fight. Get to know the organization in your community. Fundraiser this week will help Kansas City Black-led organizations, TO BUILD A BETTER, KANSAS CITY. The 41 Action News Investigators have also reached out to other BEU leaders, including current interim Director Cathy Brodhurst. Side hustles that dont turn into legitimate businesses are a problem caused by the education system, Smith said. 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. In a document dated Oct. 10, 2017, Harris claims $69,000 was given to a small roofing contractor to fix the elevator in the Lincoln Building. CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS The African-American contribution to the fame and fortune of Kansas City is indelible. Dacia Martins started UrbnHub during the pandemic to connect families with organizations that serve the urban core. Founded in 1910, The National Urban League uses programs, research and advocacy to advance civil rights for people of color. Phone: (816)472-5246 5737 Swope Parkway "Where is it?". 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. 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. Seems simple, say members of a Kansas City Health Equity Learning and Action Network working group. We need more initiatives like this. The NAACP is a long standing civil rights organization that works on a broad scale to achieve racial justice for citizens in urban communities. Barnes previously mentored Black women and girls, but she said her mentees faced bigger challenges than she could address with mentoring alone. Thus, one area doctor is hoping to improve physician . 1710 Paseo In our community, we have a lot of violence, we have a lot of poverty, we have a lot of broken infrastructure, Barnes said. Banks that Cotton approached for startup capital would only lend to existing businesses. 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. 816-513-1313 to get more GuideStar Nonprofit Profile data today! Start with this beginner's guide to the neighborhood, Kansas City's new airport terminal carries on the legacy of a 10-year-old who fought for inclusivity, Local public health officials fear a Kansas bill would undercut work to contain diseases, A federal lawsuit against Missouri's 'dysfunctional' SNAP call center has gotten bigger, Young Black Professionals In Kansas City Feel A Responsibility To Help Next Generation Succeed, Kansas City's Black Professional Women Change Corporate Culture By Chipping Away At Stereotypes, This Kansas City Nonprofit Is Stepping In To Bolster Black-Owned Businesses, With 'Resiliency And Grit,' Black Women In Kansas City Have Been Growing Their Own Businesses. It also helps teachers with housing. BUT ALSO EQUITY BECAUSE KNOW BLACK-LED ORGANIZATIONS JUST LIKE ANYTHING ELSE HAS BEEN LEFT OUT OF THE PHILANTHROPIC CYCLES GIFT STANDS FOR GENERATING INCOME FOR TOMORROW. Randolph said the Heartland Business Chamber of Commerce ramped up partnerships with other organizations doing similar work during the pandemic. 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. Try a low commitment monthly plan today. (function(u, w, d, a, q, e) { The school system is different, the policing system is different.. "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. The organization has programs for interpersonal conflict, anger management and restorative processes. about GuideStar Pro. 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. Fairway, KS 66205 Kansas City needs to provide more resources directly to low-income people to create true economic mobility. Despite these red flags, the city continued to fund BEU. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time. And truly, its unjust for the burden of change to fall on Black youth when inequity is consistently maintained by those with power and privilege. . a.q = q; THE COUNSELORS ARE KINOFD FOCUSED ON GETTING PEOPLE TO GRADUATE THINGS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL GETNGTI KIDS TO SCHOOL. Kansas City, KS 66101 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. Lora McDonald, director of the Kansas City-based social justice organization More2, . From West AfricanSuya, meat skewersorEast African Injera with stewed meat, you can get it all atFannie's African Cuisine., "You have to order chicken and donuts. Winds SW at 25 to 35 mph. All rights reserved. These efforts require funding and, in some cases, volunteer support. 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. In BEU's case, the city money in question comes from the federal community block grant program. In Kansas City, patrons can find Black-owned businesses on Kcblackowned.org, said Richardson. 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. With the Give Black grant, WeCode would be able to offer stipends to students as well as a salary for developers. I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. 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. Women-led businesses normally don't get funding from funders and things like that, Buckner said. The opportunities to supportKC's local Black-owned businesses are vast, from favorite area restaurants to bookstores that foster a connected community of readers. Kansas City, MO 64109 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.' Thats where I come in.. Teachers Like Me focuses heavily on recruiting, developing and retaining Black teachers. This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990-N. In an email response to the 41 Action News Investigators, Dixon called Harris' accusations against him "false, unfair and unwarranted.". They dont have a real business, she said. That same tax record shows salaries and other employee benefits rose from $7,540 in 2015 to $79,361 in 2016. Preview what's available here: Collaboration is key Randolph said the Heartland Business Chamber of Commerce ramped up partnerships with other organizations doing similar work during the pandemic. Managing Editor: Denise Jordan I'm the 100 percent owner of the Lincoln Building and that's the way it should be," Service said. ITS PARTNERING WITH THE UNITED WAYOR F THIS CAMPAIGN. What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, The 41 Action News Investigators went to current BEU board member Martinez Denmon's home to ask questions about BEU. Fierce is New York-based organization catering to the extremely underserved LGBT youth of color. AAPC is New York-based organization focused on resolving issues of domestic violence, substance abuse, unemployment and HIV/AIDS in black communities. Service confirms hes in the process of hiring a property manager for the Lincoln Building. Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. 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. Of the 107,000 residents who live east of Troost, more than 75% are Black. Black Girls Code is on a mission to increase the number of black women working in computer programming. Soulcentricitea is a tea shop at 37th and Troost where all of the signature drinks are named after prominent Black authors. Phone: (816)531-5253 My vision is to get past the safety net, Barnes said. It provides scholarships to inner-city students based on character and motivation, not strictly test scores. Barnes plans to put the money toward providing meals for the women in attendance at the event and hiring a contractor for the nonprofit. Give Black KC, Morris said, is helping uplift the nonprofits that are left behind. Want to explore Waldo? The project comes from the work that founder and president Terri Barnes has been doing for 20 years. and affects many Black-owned businesses in Kansas City, When we talk about what are the impacts of redlining today when you look at those communities, its like another city, Calloway said. Cortlynn Stark writes about finance and the economy for The Sum. The last city permit currently posted for the Lincoln Building elevator expired on Aug. 1, 2014, roughly six weeks before the contract was signed to upgrade the elevator. Our team is made up of connectors and doers who dream big, solve problems together with the communities we serve and take calculated risks to drive results. Generating Income for Tomorrow is raising money to support five Black-led organizations. 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." Phone: (816)923-5399 The Coalition will award $5,000 grants to more than 280 Black-owned businesses every fall between 2020 and 2023. So they dont set up their books properly because all the revenue that comes in, they use it as their revenue to live off of. Phone: (816)471-4898 PO Box 1312 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. "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. I wouldn't have stood for it," Wood said. 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. 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. I visited Nile Valley Aquaponics with a group of fellow Black homeschool families in 2017. Contact: Robin Norris 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, MO 64106 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. 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. I once stood inside the One Light Luxury Apartments in downtown Kansas City. Learn More Rapper Common founded this organization in the 1990s to provide greater opportunities for under-serviced children through mentorship, community service and the arts. 6025 Prospect Fax: (816) 442-8682 are joining forces to host Give Black KC, a fundraiser to support the Black community and entrepreneurs. Now, how will your actions answer? Fax:(816)421-5247, 414 E. 12th Street I actually haven't been in the building myself in a long time.". In 2003, former BEU Director Sylvester Holmes pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling $33,000 of the organization's money. The first extension, in February 2015, gave BEU an additional $71,500 for that purpose. ", Email contact available with a Pro subscription. 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. My email is steve@kcur.org. 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. Sponsored by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, NBWJI centers its mission on empowering black women and girls in the criminal justice system. Its been harder to get funding during the pandemic, however, because of the number of people in the community who lost their jobs. e.setAttribute("src", u + "/v" + a.v + "/js"); We can pool resources in order to better serve our community.. Box 411511 100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City, Inc. Ford says she's a paid intern and has served as a receptionist at BEU's Lincoln Building office in the past. Contact: Jauqua Wilkins The organization focuses on teachers who are in the first three years of their careers, because thats when teachers need the most support. For more information contact the DWMBE program at (816) 513-1836 or hrdgeneral_inquiries@kcmo.org. Prior to the election, Lucas served as a council member in Kansas City's third district, which includes the 18th and Vine District. 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. So, Kansas City, Ive asked my question why should I stay? I ultimately remained in Missouri for college, attending Washington University in St. Louis. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the days most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Many communities have business associations and chambers of commerce. Despite two contract extensions the city gave BEU to complete the work, it wasn't finished by September, 2016. Courtesy of Larry Henry. 2918 E. Douglas Ave. 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. Long before they were threatened by the economic shutdown associated with COVID-19, Dr. Karen Curls says that Black-owned small businesses were held back by the countrys racial pandemic.. (AAHTKC) was created through community meetings, community input, and lots of research. PO Box 165316 According to executive director Michael Watson, REAP began in the basement of Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church in 1982. 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. Sign up for our best content straight to your inbox, and join the conversation on our social channels. Phone: (816) 842-3804, Kansas City Globe Newspaper (weekly) Click here to resend it.). Contact: John OBrien Phone: (816) 392-7611, Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC) I was sure there was a future for me down south. Its definitely my mission to balance kind of self care with communal care, Cotton said. Three times BEU drew down Community Services Block Grant funds in excess of their immediate requirements in violation of federal rules and regulations. Eligible businesses must employ between three and 20 people, be located in an "economically vulnerable community," and have been financially hurt by COVID-19 disruptions. d.head.appendChild(e); And the organization severely lacks it. In an August 2018 email, Lorek asks Bullington for an accounting of all federal money given to BEU. 1701 So. The program gives money to cities - with relatively few strings attached - to help improve communities. Website:www.wcoekc.org, Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) There are 16crime prevention organizations in the greater Kansas Citymetro area, including the cities of Kansas City, Lenexa, and Overland Park within the states of Kansas and Missouri. The MWDBE directory lists certified companies verified by the City. There's so many different types of people in the urban core, Martins said. "He wanted access to their financial records, the property records, things he has no business having access to," Ford said. 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.