Not only in those buildings, but in that area, in the Power & Light District. Barnes previously mentored Black women and girls, but she said her mentees faced bigger challenges than she could address with mentoring alone. You need to build a relationship with your banker. (function(u, w, d, a, q, e) { 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. 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. KC's Official Visitors Guide is the place to find insider tips, local favorites and info on whats happening during your next visit. Fax: (816) 924-1803, Women Construction Owners and Executives KC Chapter (WCOEKC) Its been harder to get funding during the pandemic, however, because of the number of people in the community who lost their jobs. Cotton plans to use the grant from Give Black KC to extend her lease on the shop. 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. A Kansas City non-profit with the mission of promoting economic development in the city's urban core is under federal investigation. NBJCs work centers around HIV/AIDS, and makes employment and education opportunities more inclusive for black LGBT citizens. But federal investigators are questioning the money BEU did spend. In order to be helped, business owners have to be patient and willing to accept constructive criticism, she said. 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. The organization has programs for interpersonal conflict, anger management and restorative processes. In an August 2018 email, Lorek asks Bullington for an accounting of all federal money given to BEU. The 41 Action News Investigators asked Wood if it's a potential red flag to hire a contractor in the same building BEU owns with no specific address in that building. 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 It's leading up to the Juneteenth holiday . I know that right now, many folks are looking to young people, the up-and-coming generation, as the change-makers. Throughout my junior and senior years, I held leadership positions from designated blogger to Junior Advisory Board President and grew as a public speaker and collaborator with other girls like me. The school system is different, the policing system is different.. "We had to put about a million dollars in refurbishing this building," Thompson said. 107 W. 10th St. 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. Raytown Emergency Assistance Program, or REAP, helps families in Raytown through utility assistance and rental assistance, as well as food pantry services. BAJIs efforts to unite black immigrants and African Americans is extremely crucial to overcoming the current anti-immigrant rhetoric thats been gaining momentum since President Donald Trumps campaign. Kansas City needs to create inclusive housing where Black and low-income people can feel safe and welcome. The project comes from the work that founder and president Terri Barnes has been doing for 20 years. Black students who have at least one Black teacher by the time they're in third grade are much more likely to enroll in college. She also says Special Agent Lorek has interviewed her as part of his ongoing investigation, specifically asking her about BEU. 5100 Rockhill Rd. by Ashley Clarke, Center for Public Integrity July 27, 2021, This and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Fax: (816) 235-5522, National Association of Women Business Owners Greater KC Chapter (NAWBO) are joining forces to host Give Black KC, a fundraiser to support the Black community and entrepreneurs. Phone: (303) 623-3037, National Association of Construction Contractors Cooperative (NACCC) BEU appears to have made duplicate payments to contractors.". We always hear a lot about, you know, taking care of ourselves, but its so important that we take care of each other. Bullington responds by sending a 2014 contract between BEU and the city to improve the Lincoln Building. Phone: (816)471-4898 Service said. The organization continues to mobilize and amplify national dialogue around state-sanctioned violence. We need to start normalizing building essential relationships. Richardson said. The future of us is one of the nonprofits chosen for funding. I was really excited when they called me and talked about the opportunity to be a part of the collaborative, McCray said. KC Chapter Information Info@WCOEKC.org She knew it was important for students to have representation in the classroom. Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license. 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. "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. Ruby Jean's Juicery "https://g.amp.travel", Where have all the candidates gone? ", 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. "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. In BEU's case, the city money in question comes from the federal community block grant program. 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. 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. Phone: (816) 474-3558, American Indian Council This is almost like a trade. 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. 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. Getting help from the organization took some weight off her shoulders when she moved to Kansas City for a new job. In his 2012 YouTube video, Chester Thompson talked about BEU's debt on those housing projects when he took over the organization in 2007. That they dont belong. I dont hear about those opportunities very often in Kansas City. But Awesome Ambitions needs funding in order to provide these experiences to girls. Kansas City, MO 64109 "Why doesn't the city know where all the money that's been allocated?" Phone: (816)923-5399 Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. 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? Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Court records show BEU still has 11 active liens against it for unpaid bills dating as far back as 27 years. Phone: (816) 235-2891, Kansas City Society of Black Architects and Engineers Weve got to get families to a place where theyre thriving, you know, theyre being successful. The ties to family, health and holistic wellness struck a chord within meI've been a fan ever since., Blue Nile Cafis one of Kansas City's oldestEthiopian restaurants and the first I dined at after moving to the city. 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." I then documented by email enough cash resources BEU has to carry us for the next eight months. On the UrbnHub Facebook group, Martins promotes entrepreneurship resources, vaccination events, school events, food banks, employment fairs and other resources to her 477 members. 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. ", Email contact available with a Pro subscription. 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. At the meeting, secretly bugged by authorities, Thomas revealed how skimming works inside Nevada casinos. In the city auditor's Dec. 31, 2003 report, it states "BEU paid a contractor without the contractor submitting invoices for approval. I always order the oxtails and curried goat because #gobigorgohome. 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.". Kansas City, MO 64106 Phone: (816) 701-9890, Kansas City Kansas Womens Chamber of Commerce 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. "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. That's why a Juneteenth fundraiser is stepping in to get Kansas City organizations access to capital. After jobs in several different sectors, McCray decided to start her business while working as a full-time therapist. Three times BEU drew down Community Services Block Grant funds in excess of their immediate requirements in violation of federal rules and regulations. The NAACP is a long standing civil rights organization that works on a broad scale to achieve racial justice for citizens in urban communities. The former executive director was terminated in March 2003.". I was attending a reception with Sisters Circle of Greater Kansas City, an organization which had awarded a large grant to Awesome Ambitions. What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, Im not the only one. Business education and financial literacy is an integral first step (but not more important than access to capital). 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) Women-led businesses normally don't get funding from funders and things like that, Buckner said. Randolph said the Heartland Business Chamber of Commerce ramped up partnerships with other organizations doing similar work during the pandemic. In our community, we have a lot of violence, we have a lot of poverty, we have a lot of broken infrastructure, Barnes said. Click on the link in that email 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. I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. For more information contact the DWMBE program at (816) 513-1836 or hrdgeneral_inquiries@kcmo.org. Otherwise, my young, diverse generation will take our talent, leadership, and drive to create equitable, anti-racist communities elsewhere. Most of the funding came from her own finances, and as it's grown, shes gotten a bigger space and hired more staff. Kansas City Chapter President President@WCOEKC.org Organizers believe working together brings change. Let us know on Instagram or via email. Yes I was looking before I was old enough to pay rent. By working with her landlord and sharing a waiting space with other businesses, McCray was able to keep Life's Work alive. Amplifying Black voices through news that matters. I spoke as the newly selected Junior Advisory Board President. 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. Thompson said he was not happy with the sale, adding, "The Lincoln Building didn't get handled the way it should've when I left.". I was sure there was a future for me down south. Kansas City, MO 64108 Contact: Sharmin Lang "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. Independence, MO 64057 The contractor authorized all payments during the fiscal year from the program fund. Website:www.wcoekc.org, Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) More by Ashley Clarke. A verification email has been sent to you. Contact: Simone Garza The BEU understands Mr. Service is in the process of hiring a property manager for the building. Harris also claims that loan was concealed from him in his role as board chairman. Fundraiser this week will help Kansas City Black-led organizations, TO BUILD A BETTER, KANSAS CITY. Get started with eight dining recommendations from local foodie Kasim Hardaway. Organizers are hoping to raise a half-million dollars in just five days. The MWDBE directory lists certified companies verified by the City. It's about equality but also equity. Kansas City, MO 64109 While there certainly has been some change in KC during that time, its pace is usually slow and the change isnt always for the better. I am not interested in remaining in a city that is not made for me. It also helps teachers with housing. ALP is a New York-based organization that dedicates itself to achieving social and economic equality for LGBT communities of color. In Kansas City, patrons can find Black-owned businesses on Kcblackowned.org, said Richardson. 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. The second annual Give Black KC event,. Ashley is Audience engagement editor for the Center for Public Integrity. Olathe superintendent spars with Kansas Republicans over why so many K-12 teachers are leaving. 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. Our grantmaking, research, programs, and initiatives support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. She is originally from Colorado and said housing was a huge concern for her. Leaders working to support Black business owners joined an online forum organized. 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. 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. 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. By hosting after school programs and workshops, the org plans to train one million young black women in the field by the year 2040. Fax:(816)531-5256, Kansas City Hispanic News Service confirms hes in the process of hiring a property manager for the Lincoln Building. The organization works to ensure social justice and equality for black immigrants. 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. WeCodeKC gives Black children exposure to computer science. We need a lot of different resources.. Copyright 2023 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. 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. With over a million members, Color of Change works to end racial injustice manifested in the media, economy and criminal justice system. Rapper Common founded this organization in the 1990s to provide greater opportunities for under-serviced children through mentorship, community service and the arts. Kansas City, MO 64130 "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. 26. She previously covered City Hall for The Kansas City Star and joined The Star in January 2020 as a breaking news . 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. Box 411511 Phone: (816) 631-1700 Get to know the organization in your community. Asian Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City Part of HuffPost Black Voices. and who do the programs serve? Kansas City, MO 64108 That term comes from the practice of marking racial makeup on a map and denying financial services to Black neighborhoods. 1475 Walnut Street 6025 Prospect window, During his campaign for Kansas City Mayor, the 41 Action News Investigators asked Quinton Lucas those same questions. 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 honor of. Fax: (816) 442-8682 Please check out AAHTKC.ORG and use our sites page to submit your sites or stories! Buckner also hopes this grant will help WeCode grow larger and partner with businesses in other parts of the nation. One of the best ways to become educated is to get involved in black-led organizations across the city, she . Stories that matter delivered to your inbox. Business service providers have to create a better ecosystem for Black-owned businesses and that means connecting owners with resources, said Richardson. Fax: (913) 287-5881, Kansas City Call (weekly) Still, panelists stress the importance of business owners familiarizing themselves with local banks. Outside of the abovementioned occasion, Ive only ever driven through P&L; its never been a destination for me. 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. Former BEU Board Chairman Chester Thompson spoke about fixing up the Lincoln Building in a YouTube video recorded at that building in 2012. Know of other businesses that belong on this list? With the Give Black grant, WeCode would be able to offer stipends to students as well as a salary for developers. Prior to the election, Lucas served as a council member in Kansas City's third district, which includes the 18th and Vine District. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The 41 Action News Investigators, on multiple occasions over several months, have gone to BEUs office in the Lincoln Building seeking comment. And, its a misconception that running a business is easier than working for someone else, Randolph added. Additional Email: usanaccc@gmail.com, National Association of Women in Construction(NAWIC) The Pennsylvania Prison Society is a long-standing organization dedicated to reforming the criminal justice system. That feeling only increased when I visited Atlanta twice during my senior year of high school. 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. 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. Phone: (913) 338-0774, Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City Through partnerships with other local organizations, WeCode students can build projects and receive stipends to gain real-world experience. BEU was one of only two agencies not to submit its financial reports and internal control analysis for the city auditors review on time. Editor: Clara Reyes Of the 107,000 residents who live east of Troost, more than 75% are Black. 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?'.