The BEU understands Mr. Service is in the process of hiring a property manager for the building. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. (function(u, w, d, a, q, e) { So far, Teachers Like Me has helped 15 Black teachers. And it feels like it never will be. The 41 Action News Investigators, on multiple occasions over several months, have gone to BEUs office in the Lincoln Building seeking comment. 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'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. Sign up for our best content straight to your inbox, and join the conversation on our social channels. 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. TWOC offers support and resources for trans women of color, a highly marginalized community. In 64128, the zip code I live in, only 47.9% of my neighbors own their homes.. Phone: (816) 235-1643 Kansas City, MO 64108 Phone: (816)472-5246 Several Kansas City-area school districts cancel elections. 5737 Swope Parkway 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. Fax: (816) 924-1803, Women Construction Owners and Executives KC Chapter (WCOEKC) KANSAS CITY, Mo. 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. The first extension, in February 2015, gave BEU an additional $71,500 for that purpose. Phone: (816) 595-4109 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. 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. Associates of the Kauffman Foundation work in partnership with people who share a passion for entrepreneurship and education. if (w.amptravel) return; 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 report says, "the contractor could draw down funds from the agency at any time. The Kansas City Anti-Violence Project provides services to crime victims within the LGBTQ. Many communities have business associations and chambers of commerce. It all starts with access to opportunity for people to improve their lives. Phone: (816) 221-4747 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. Academic, professional, and personal development programs are vital to the success of Kansas Citys Black youth. Lawrence, KS (66045) Today. q = []; Editor: Clara Reyes City records show in the 10 year period from 1999 through 2008, Kansas City gave more than $5 million in funding to BEU. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Use the unsubscribe link in the emails we send to opt out at any time. "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. 1475 Walnut Street 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. In his 2012 YouTube video, Chester Thompson talked about BEU's debt on those housing projects when he took over the organization in 2007. Fairway Corporate Center a = w.amptravel = function(a, p) { If it is your nonprofit, add geographic service areas to create a map on your profile. Olathe superintendent spars with Kansas Republicans over why so many K-12 teachers are leaving. a.v = "2"; "You don't necessarily have to be a millionaire to make changes in people's lives is really cool," Latimer said. I first fell in love withRuby JeansJuicerywhen I heard the story behind its namesakethe grandmother of the owner and operator, Chris Goode. Randolph said the Heartland Business Chamber of Commerce ramped up partnerships with other organizations doing similar work during the pandemic. Our grantmaking, research, programs, and initiatives support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. Phone: (816) 924-4441 This is a skill set that they could get a certification in and work and get jobs making $70,000 to 80,000 a year. My vision is to get past the safety net, Barnes said. Kansas City, MO 64106 The summer program is scheduled to launch in 2022. 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. 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. "He wanted access to their financial records, the property records, things he has no business having access to," Ford said. Follow @kcblackowned on Instagram forfresh information on a daily basis. City Hall Departments Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department (CREO). 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 . Overland Park, KS 66204 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. Kansas City, MO 64110 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. She knew it was important for students to have representation in the classroom. Each of our organizations represents a different yet important aspect of our Black community, and by supporting and uplifting each of those components of the entire community, we uplift it as well, Morris said. 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. I remember thinking, as soon as I stepped into that place [One Light]: I do not belong here. 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. 3200 Wayne Ave., Suite 204 Think about a seemingly simple question: What are the health outcomes of a Black woman versus a white woman in Kansas City? Phone: (816) 283-3456, Kansas City Womens Business Center Phone: (816) 666-9407, Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center (MOPTAC) Lora McDonald, director of the Kansas City-based social justice organization More2, . Communal care is very important. Contact: Karla Martinez 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. //-->. 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. According to executive director Michael Watson, REAP began in the basement of Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church in 1982. According to Harris, BEU's board neither voted on nor approved the loan - a violation of the organization's policies, rules and procedures. "For the life of me, I can't explain why they did what they did," Wood said in describing the sale. 6025 Prospect 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. Help us get you more of the nonprofit information you need, including: An email has been sent to the address you provided. Phone: (913) 220-0281, Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce This organization helps bring more Black teachers into Kansas City schools By Steve Kraske , Reginald David Published March 1, 2023 at 11:56 AM CST Listen 14:41 Ways To Subscribe Courtesy. In budget year 2008 for example, 44 agencies received $100,000 or more in funding from the city or pass-through dollars. This is almost like a trade. Fax: (816)471-3064, 2ms2KC Bilingual Publication Three times BEU drew down Community Services Block Grant funds in excess of their immediate requirements in violation of federal rules and regulations. AAPC is New York-based organization focused on resolving issues of domestic violence, substance abuse, unemployment and HIV/AIDS in black communities. Click here to resend it.). 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. They don't need a four-year college degree.. Fundraiser this week will help Kansas City Black-led organizations, TO BUILD A BETTER, KANSAS CITY. A GuideStar Pro report containing the following information is available for this organization: This information is only available for subscribers and in Premium reports. But it's not. Background: The African American Heritage Trail of Kansas City, Mo. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KMBC-TV. NBJCs work centers around HIV/AIDS, and makes employment and education opportunities more inclusive for black LGBT citizens. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The email also states BEU is in good standing, self-sustaining, successfully maintaining its current assets and continuing to pursue its mission of economic empowerment for minorities in the Kansas City area. 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) ALP is a New York-based organization that dedicates itself to achieving social and economic equality for LGBT communities of color. The opportunities to supportKC's local Black-owned businesses are vast, from favorite area restaurants to bookstores that foster a connected community of readers. She is originally from Colorado and said housing was a huge concern for her. Kansas City, KS 66101 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. 1715 E. 18th St. When asked for further comment, Dixon said his attorney had advised him not to comment on the matter further. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. More by Ashley Clarke. 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.. "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. I was attending a reception with Sisters Circle of Greater Kansas City, an organization which had awarded a large grant to Awesome Ambitions. Teachers Like Me focuses heavily on recruiting, developing and retaining Black teachers. Want to explore Waldo? Phone: (816) 474-3558, American Indian Council Kansas City needs to provide more resources directly to low-income people to create true economic mobility. The 41 Action News Investigators have also reached out to other BEU leaders, including current interim Director Cathy Brodhurst. My Brothers Keeper, an initiative of the Obama administration, aims to unite and amplify the voices of black men through mentorship. ); (Don't see an email in your inbox? Its been harder to get funding during the pandemic, however, because of the number of people in the community who lost their jobs. 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? Side hustles that dont turn into legitimate businesses are a problem caused by the education system, Smith said. 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. "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. 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.' Being the only professor of color, it was a big burden of working with Black students and teaching future teachers of color.. Additional Email: kckwcc@gmail.com, Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce Prior to the election, Lucas served as a council member in Kansas City's third district, which includes the 18th and Vine District. 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. This is the start of Give Black KC. Collaboration is key Randolph said the Heartland Business Chamber of Commerce ramped up partnerships with other organizations doing similar work during the pandemic. Phone: (816)471-4898 The organization has award five grants since they started raising money last April . 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. It also helps teachers with housing. "I think it would be irresponsible for me to talk about ongoing investigations and issues so I'll pass on that," then-candidate Lucas said. Phone: (913) 338-0774, Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City Rapper Common founded this organization in the 1990s to provide greater opportunities for under-serviced children through mentorship, community service and the arts. Learning through measurement and evaluation help us better support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive. High near 65F. Morris said there may be an unintentional bias in philanthropic funding that favors other organizations over Black organizations. Speaking from an upstairs window, Denmon said, "Get off my property.". 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. I remember thinking, as soon as I stepped into that place: I do not belong here. I want to be around for a very long time. Cotton said. Most of the funding came from her own finances, and as it's grown, shes gotten a bigger space and hired more staff. 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. All rights reserved. and who do the programs serve? If Im going to consider Kansas City my long-term home in the future, there are several changes that would have to occur first. Kansas City records show BEU has a long and frequently troubled history over the last 20 years. Try a low commitment monthly plan today. The Black Womens Blueprint services black women affected by issues such as sexual violence, abuse and incarceration. Court records show BEU still has 11 active liens against it for unpaid bills dating as far back as 27 years. Cotton plans to use the grant from Give Black KC to extend her lease on the shop. *** 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. In the city auditor's Dec. 31, 2003 report, it states "BEU paid a contractor without the contractor submitting invoices for approval. Phone: (816) 392-7611, Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC) Uncommon Voices columns bring new perspectives and opinions on topics related to the Kauffman Foundations work. I remember riding up the glistening elevator, and walking awkwardly around the immaculate, modern top-floor club room. 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. WELL SEE THEN SO THE CHANG. "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. 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. Organizers believe working together brings change. We continue Ewing Kauffmans legacy by supporting institutions and organizations that eliminate barriers for all people to drive cultural, social, and economic impact in Kansas City. Cotton said that, because of the pandemic, it was impossible to get funding for her new business. Contact: Sook Park Business education and financial literacy is an integral first step (but not more important than access to capital). In an August 2018 email, Lorek asks Bullington for an accounting of all federal money given to BEU. Kansas City, KS 66101 Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Fax:(816)421-5247, The Community Voice Yes I was looking before I was old enough to pay rent. 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. THE COUNSELORS ARE KINOFD FOCUSED ON GETTING PEOPLE TO GRADUATE THINGS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL GETNGTI KIDS TO SCHOOL. A Kansas City nonprofit with the mission of promoting economic development in the city's urban core is now under federal investigation. McCray has lived in Kansas City her whole life. The project comes from the work that founder and president Terri Barnes has been doing for 20 years. about GuideStar Pro. d.head.appendChild(e); Cortlynn Stark writes about finance and the economy for The Sum. w.amptravel.q.push({ a:a, p:p }); 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. P.O. Independence, MO 64057 In other communities, local business associations can help find resources. Fax: (816)444-3226 View City Hall hours and holidays. It provides scholarships to inner-city students based on character and motivation, not strictly test scores. Phone: (913) 432-3486, Dos Mundos Bilingual Newspaper Incite works to end violence against women of color through organizing events, conferences, circulating newsletters and strategic political initiatives. 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. 2918 Southwest Blvd. "We'll track down any money the taxpayers have put into projects, make sure it's responsibly spent," Lucas said at the time. It would help tremendously, Watson said. Morris said the rest of the homes in her community have absent owners who maintain the homes poorly. It's leading up to the Juneteenth holiday . The original contract included $100,000 of federal money, with $75,000 of those funds budgeted to upgrade the elevator. Here are three broad ones that come to mind. Contact: Teshauna Dawkins Give Black KC, Morris said, is helping uplift the nonprofits that are left behind. 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. BYP studies the attitudes and cultural norms of black millennials in an effort to maximize their life experiences. 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. After jobs in several different sectors, McCray decided to start her business while working as a full-time therapist. 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. These efforts require funding and, in some cases, volunteer support. Website:www.wcoekc.org, Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) 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. PO Box 165316 In other communities, local business associations can help find resources. Barnes said a grant from Give Black KC would help sponsor the Black Women Get Fit event this October. Residents can help raise capital for underserved communities trying to build a better Kansas City. The group played a significant role in Justice For Flint, a charity event which was held on the same night as the 2016 Oscars. In honor of Juneteenth, Give Black KC is raising $80,000 for eight Black-led nonprofits and businesses in Kansas City. 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. Learn More 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. Please check your inbox in order to proceed. 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. I know that right now, many folks are looking to young people, the up-and-coming generation, as the change-makers. 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. 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. The former executive director was terminated in March 2003.". Where have all the candidates gone? North Kansas City, MO 64116 The second annual Give Black KC event,. HEDFC operates as a bank with federal money used to fund low-income housing projects. "I was the only one who argued vehemently against the sale of the organization's greatest asset and iconic home for decades," Harris stated in the court testimony. Everybody needs something different.. Kansas City, MO 64106
The MWDBE directory lists certified companies verified by the City. 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. Not only in those buildings, but in that area, in the Power & Light District. (AAHTKC) was created through community meetings, community input, and lots of research. are joining forces to host Give Black KC, a fundraiser to support the Black community and entrepreneurs. This is Give Black KC Week a fundraiser for Black-led organizations in the metro. 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. The 2016 federal income tax record for BEU, called a form 990 for non-profit groups exempt from income tax, shows BEU's total net assets were more than $1.6 million at the end of that year. Randolph added that people have to understand the difference between creating a job and starting a business. Theyre not even ever thinking about a bank loan. When you're moving, especially as a young person moving to a new state, you know, one of the biggest worries you have is, where am I going to live? Nix said. Missouri state records show Prosperity Electric dissolved in February 2019. 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. Fax: (816) 442-8682 We need more initiatives like this. Smith said that the organization he co-founded, Porterhouse KC, serves as a safe space to ask questions and learn about financial management, accounting, legal services and more. }; I was sure there was a future for me down south. PO Box 1312 In honor of. That term comes from the practice of marking racial makeup on a map and denying financial services to Black neighborhoods. But the 146,000 people who live in the six most populated Zip codes west of Troost and in. 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. KC Chapter Information Info@WCOEKC.org A Kansas City non-profit with the mission of promoting economic development in the city's urban core is under federal investigation. A sign now on the window of the office reads, To mail carrier from BEU, please hold all mail in the post office. Reached by phone, Thompson said a lot of hard work was put into the building. Kansas City, MO 64108 The week-long fundraiser helps local Black organizations that may have trouble accessing capital due to racial inequity in lending practices. Get started with eight dining recommendations from local foodie Kasim Hardaway. Most recently, the 41 Action News Investigators obtained invoices showing Kansas City's Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department gave roughly $214,000 in funding to BEU from 2012 through 2016, but nothing since the contract to refurbish the Lincoln Building was canceled in 2016. 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.". 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." Here are some of the organizations Give Black is fundraising for. If it is your nonprofit, add a problem overview. 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. Courtesy of Larry Henry. Blue Springs, MO 64013-1312 Many small minority- owned businesses dont have access to an adequate amount of credit, so a large part of their capital comes from consumers. It isnt meant for me. Kansas City, MO 64109 Kansas City, MO 64105 8500 W. 71st St. This is Give Black KC Week a fundraiser for Black-led organizations in the metro. The NAACP is a long standing civil rights organization that works on a broad scale to achieve racial justice for citizens in urban communities. Time and time again, black Americans have often come together in vulnerable times through mobilization. Contact: Leonard Graham The founder explained that Nile Valleys products are sold to local restaurants, giving the community a place in Kansas Citys economic cycle. I always order the oxtails and curried goat because #gobigorgohome. Seems simple, say members of a Kansas City Health Equity Learning and Action Network working group.