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. "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. 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. It would help tremendously, Watson said. Despite these red flags, the city continued to fund BEU. I always order the oxtails and curried goat because #gobigorgohome. 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. 816-800-5025 Peachtree. The project comes from the work that founder and president Terri Barnes has been doing for 20 years. 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. Business education and financial literacy is an integral first step (but not more important than access to capital). to get more GuideStar Nonprofit Profile data today! It provides scholarships to inner-city students based on character and motivation, not strictly test scores. There's so many different types of people in the urban core, Martins said. The former executive director was terminated in March 2003.". (function(u, w, d, a, q, e) { There are no source documents, contracts, orders or other to show where that money went.". To plan your own local tour of Black-owned restaurants in Kansas City, check out this map of participating businesses: Missouri Foodlove Cafe 2101 Broadway Blvd. Phone: (913) 492-5922 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. Editor: Donna Stewart Help us get you more of the nonprofit information you need, including: An email has been sent to the address you provided. Fax: (816) 442-8682 All this week, the nonprofit Generating Income for Tomorrow is raising money to support five Black-led organizations. Get started with eight dining recommendations from local foodie Kasim Hardaway. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Kansas City, MO 64108 The Urban League of Greater Kansas City, The Green Line Initiative and G.I.F.T. In other communities, local business associations can help find resources. PO Box 1312 A mix of clouds and sun with gusty winds. The following list provides information for contacting some minority and women business organizations and publications. Kansas City, MO 64106 Owner Nika Cotton said her shop provides comfort and self-care for the Black community. Soulcentricitea is a tea shop at 37th and Troost where all of the signature drinks are named after prominent Black authors. That same tax record shows salaries and other employee benefits rose from $7,540 in 2015 to $79,361 in 2016. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. The only BEU associate who agreed to speak on camera is Takishia Ford. Phone: (316) 681-1155 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time. Its unjust for the burden of change to fall on Black youth when inequity is consistently maintained by those with power and privilege. 55th St. Kansas City Chapter President President@WCOEKC.org Contact: Donna Porch A 41 Action News Investigation reveals federal officials are looking at how the Black Economic Union of Greater Kansas City spent tax dollars. Leaders working to support Black business owners joined an online forum organized. KCUR serves the Kansas City region with breaking news and powerful storytelling. *** 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. Phone: (913)371-3070 Kansas City records show BEU has a long and frequently troubled history over the last 20 years. Time and time again, black Americans have often come together in vulnerable times through mobilization. Through partnerships with other local organizations, WeCode students can build projects and receive stipends to gain real-world experience. And the poverty rate is 36%. Three times BEU drew down Community Services Block Grant funds in excess of their immediate requirements in violation of federal rules and regulations. KC's Official Visitors Guide is the place to find insider tips, local favorites and info on whats happening during your next visit. Service said. We can pool resources in order to better serve our community.. SO WHAT THES CHANGE? Kansas City needs to provide more resources directly to low-income people to create true economic mobility. SO WERE TRYING TO IN THAT PIECE AND ENCOURAGE KIDS TO GO TO COLLEGE AND SEEK HIGHER EDUCATION ORGANIZERS BELIEVE WORKING TOGETHER BRINGS CHANGE YOU GIVE A LITTLE YOU GET A LITTLE YOU GIVE A LITTLE AND WE DONT WANT YOU TO DIMINISH OR DISCOUNT THE IMPACT THAT THAT COULD HAVE, YOU KNOW NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE A MILLIONAIRE TO MAKE CHANGES IN PEOPLES LIVES IS REALLY COOL. 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. Phone: (303) 623-3037, National Association of Construction Contractors Cooperative (NACCC) The BEU understands Mr. Service is in the process of hiring a property manager for the building. 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. 2918 Southwest Blvd. Overland Park, KS 66204 But the 146,000 people who live in the six most populated Zip codes west of Troost and in. and who do the programs serve? GIFT is partnering with the United Way for this campaign. "Where is it?". The folks who are already in power have the responsibility to fight for us: folks on city councils, in foundation boardrooms, in voting booths, on school boards, in recruiting offices. 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. These efforts require funding and, in some cases, volunteer support. 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. Keep your current job, and work with us on the side. 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 Fax:(816)421-5247, The Community Voice 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. 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. Now, how will your actions answer? Calloway believes Give Black KC can do good work fighting racial inequity in the philanthropic sector. 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. The first extension, in February 2015, gave BEU an additional $71,500 for that purpose. Phone: (816) 595-4109 Women-led businesses normally don't get funding from funders and things like that, Buckner said. In 64128, the zip code I live in, only 47.9% of my neighbors own their homes.. Overland Park, KS 66210 Making a difference in the black community (Remote/Work from Home) (Don't see an email in your inbox? Give Black KC, Morris said, is helping uplift the nonprofits that are left behind. 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. Kansas City, MO 64110 NBJCs work centers around HIV/AIDS, and makes employment and education opportunities more inclusive for black LGBT citizens. 1475 Walnut Street 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. Randolph said the Heartland Business Chamber of Commerce ramped up partnerships with other organizations doing similar work during the pandemic. 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. 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. Residents can help raise capital for underserved communities trying to build a better Kansas City. We need more initiatives like this. That term comes from the practice of marking racial makeup on a map and denying financial services to Black neighborhoods. With funding from prominent Black organizations, Perry's operation grew to be the first hospital owned and . I remember thinking, as soon as I stepped into that place [One Light]: I do not belong here. 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. On Sept. 18, 2014, John A. Rather than external entities coming into Black inner-city neighborhoods and trying to tell residents what they need, or even disrupting these communities altogether, we need Kansas City to empower its low-income communities directly: listen to what developments Black folks in the city want (or are already working on) and then support and/or implement those developments. KANSAS CITY, Mo. 8645 College Blvd., # 110 Payments were not supported by invoices or other documentation. 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 report says, "the contractor could draw down funds from the agency at any time. 3200 Wayne Ave., Suite 204 At the center of the investigation is the historic Lincoln Building, one of the crown jewels of the city's 18th and Vine District, and specifically how BEU spent - or did not spend - money on the building prior to selling it to attorney Henry Service in 2017. Atlanta-based organization Sister Love commits itself to educating women of color about reproductive health, safe sex and HIV/AIDS. Phone: (816)531-5253 By the time Thompson retired as board chair in March 2016, Thompson claimed the BEU owned the Lincoln Building free and clear. 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. In BEU's case, the city money in question comes from the federal community block grant program. A verification email has been sent to you. Campaign raises grant money for Kansas City Black-owned businesses The contractor had control of the account and periodically transferred money out of the account. Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. I was really excited when they called me and talked about the opportunity to be a part of the collaborative, McCray said. Contact: Robin Norris But federal investigators are questioning the money BEU did spend. 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. Organizers are hoping to raise a half-million dollars in just five days. The Trayvon Martin Foundation aims to spread awareness of the consequences of gun crime and caters to families affected by gun violence. Know of other businesses that belong on this list? During his campaign for Kansas City Mayor, the 41 Action News Investigators asked Quinton Lucas those same questions. I remember the barn with a large Black power fist painted on it; wandering chickens and produce growing outside and greenery and tanks filled with tilapia inside. ALP is a New York-based organization that dedicates itself to achieving social and economic equality for LGBT communities of color. Give Black KC would help cover her administrative costs and hire a part-time assistant. The program gives money to cities - with relatively few strings attached - to help improve communities. Here are five major takeaways from the forum. 5737 Swope Parkway Phone: (913) 338-0774, Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City Thats one reason Trinity Davis started Teachers Like Me. If Im going to consider Kansas City my long-term home in the future, there are several changes that would have to occur first. 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. Fax: (816)471-3064, 2ms2KC Bilingual Publication In honor of Juneteenth, Give Black KC is raising $80,000 for eight Black-led nonprofits and businesses in Kansas City. Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license. 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 . BYP studies the attitudes and cultural norms of black millennials in an effort to maximize their life experiences. Ashley is Audience engagement editor for the Center for Public Integrity. Kansas City lessons on supporting Black businesses that can work Want to explore Waldo? "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. Many communities have business associations and chambers of commerce. The invoice shows Prosperity Electric had the same Lincoln Building address as BEU, which owned the building at the time, but no suite number; Only a listing of "second floor" was included. 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. Generating Income for Tomorrow is raising money to support five Black-led organizations. Barnes previously mentored Black women and girls, but she said her mentees faced bigger challenges than she could address with mentoring alone. When the 41 Action News Investigators asked Wood why the city would agree to give money to fix the elevator and five years later, still hasn't inspected it after the permit ran out, he replied, "I don't know. It's about equality but also equity. UMKC Innovation Center 6025 Prospect That question has always felt easy to answer. The Kansas City group G.I.F.T is working to support Black-owned businesses in the pandemic. The contractor authorized all payments during the fiscal year from the program fund. Blue Springs, MO 64013-1312 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. And it feels like it never will be. 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. Teachers Like Me focuses heavily on recruiting, developing and retaining Black teachers. The 41 Action News Investigators went to current BEU board member Martinez Denmon's home to ask questions about BEU. The NAACP is a long standing civil rights organization that works on a broad scale to achieve racial justice for citizens in urban communities. I visited Nile Valley Aquaponics with a group of fellow Black homeschool families in 2017. a list of 28 active organizations that service a range of black communities. That they dont belong. 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. 28 Organizations That Empower Black Communities - HuffPost This is Give Black KC Week a fundraiser for Black-led organizations in the metro. //-->. More by Ashley Clarke. }; Fax: (816) 235-5522, National Association of Women Business Owners Greater KC Chapter (NAWBO) 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. Bullington responds by sending a 2014 contract between BEU and the city to improve the Lincoln Building. **GREAT PART TIME INCOME. Website:www.wcoekc.org, Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) 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. Resources for Black-Owned Businesses - U.S. Chamber And those same city audit records show BEU had accounting issues every one of those years, including two years when BEU failed to submit a timely report for the auditor's review. Theyre not even ever thinking about a bank loan. Fax: (816) 471-8543, American Indian Enterprise & Business Council 26. In 2003, former BEU Director Sylvester Holmes pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling $33,000 of the organization's money. 11249 Strang Line Rd. Founded by Reverend Al Sharpton, the National Action Network operates on the platforms of voter protection, corporate responsibility, anti-violence and criminal justice. "We'll track down any money the taxpayers have put into projects, make sure it's responsibly spent," Lucas said at the time. Kansas City, MO 64108 Kansas City, MO 64108 Contact: Teshauna Dawkins Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. If you want to support Black businesses to help them thrive, patronize them. Richardson said. Contact: Kelvin Perry Our grantmaking, research, programs, and initiatives support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. BEU appears to have made duplicate payments to contractors.". According to Harris, BEU's board neither voted on nor approved the loan - a violation of the organization's policies, rules and procedures. 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. 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. All this week, the nonprofit Generating Income for Tomorrow is raising money to support five Black-led organizations. For more information contact the DWMBE program at (816) 513-1836 or hrdgeneral_inquiries@kcmo.org. The Empowerment Program offers resources like employment assistance and housing referrals for black women experiencing poverty, homelessness and incarceration. 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. Business service providers have to create a better ecosystem for Black-owned businesses and that means connecting owners with resources, said Richardson. Box 411511 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. q = []; })( We seek to support the start and growth of new businesses through programs, policies, and practices that give rise to equitable access to entrepreneurship. In an email response to the 41 Action News Investigators, Dixon called Harris' accusations against him "false, unfair and unwarranted.". It also helps teachers with housing. 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 our community, we have a lot of violence, we have a lot of poverty, we have a lot of broken infrastructure, Barnes said. 816-234-4784. Generating Income For Tomorrow, or GIFT, aims to close the racial wealth gap in Kansas City by investing in Black-owned businesses when banks wont. 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. 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. Side hustles that dont turn into legitimate businesses are a problem caused by the education system, Smith said. 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. North Kansas City, MO 64116 Do not distribute mail in the building, thank you.. Contact: Carlos Gomez 8500 W. 71st St. 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. Phone: (913) 220-0281, Heartland Black 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. Getting help from the organization took some weight off her shoulders when she moved to Kansas City for a new job. Fax: (913) 287-5881, Kansas City Call (weekly) Learn more I am not interested in remaining in a city that is not made for me. I remember thinking, as soon as I stepped into that place: I do not belong here. Instead, BEU's attorney sent an email stating no one would meet with the 41 Action News Investigators. 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