The future of us is one of the nonprofits chosen for funding. The Empowerment Program offers resources like employment assistance and housing referrals for black women experiencing poverty, homelessness and incarceration. Phone: (816)923-5399 a = w.amptravel = function(a, p) { to get more GuideStar Nonprofit Profile data today! 607-a Minnesota Ave. So, Kansas City, Ive asked my question why should I stay? 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. On Sept. 18, 2014, John A. The opportunities to supportKC's local Black-owned businesses are vast, from favorite area restaurants to bookstores that foster a connected community of readers. 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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." A lot of the folks that we serve are afraid of systems. "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 practiced coming up with, and pitching, a business with a group of other girls, formulated a personal elevator pitch with the help of reporters at 41 Action News, and met several Kansas City-area women of color who mentored me through the college application process. 816-234-4784. Many communities have business associations and chambers of commerce. Banks that Cotton approached for startup capital would only lend to existing businesses. Blue Springs, MO 64013-1312 Thus, one area doctor is hoping to improve physician . Fax: (816) 442-8682 That term comes from the practice of marking racial makeup on a map and denying financial services to Black neighborhoods. It provides scholarships to inner-city students based on character and motivation, not strictly test scores. Speaking from an upstairs window, Denmon said, "Get off my property.". With the Give Black grant, WeCode would be able to offer stipends to students as well as a salary for developers. Get started with eight dining recommendations from local foodie Kasim Hardaway. GIFT is partnering with the United Way for this campaign. Despite Harris' claim that BEU gave $69,000 to an unqualified contractor to the fix the elevator, Wood says the remaining funds were not given to BEU and re-purposed. I actually haven't been in the building myself in a long time.". Unfortunately, urban core-focused organizations, especially Black-led organizations, don't have access to the same funding, therefore hindering their ability to market the families that need the opportunities the most, Martin said. 26. NONPROFIT GIFT IS RAISING MONEY TO SUPPORT FIVE BLACK LEAD ORGANIZATIONS. Kansas City, MO 64109 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. The only BEU associate who agreed to speak on camera is Takishia Ford. Here are three broad ones that come to mind. 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. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. The first extension, in February 2015, gave BEU an additional $71,500 for that purpose. 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. (Don't see an email in your inbox? 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 . "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. City records also show BEU submitted an invoice, as part of the Lincoln Building renovations contract, for $833 paid to Prosperity Electric for wiring charges. A grant from Give Black would allow her to market better and reach an even wider audience. She knew it was important for students to have representation in the classroom. The BEU understands Mr. Service is in the process of hiring a property manager for the building. The BEU is one of dozens of non-governmental agencies which receive funding through the city. In 64128, the zip code I live in, only 47.9% of my neighbors own their homes.. I remember thinking, as soon as I stepped into that place [One Light]: I do not belong here. 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. Investigating the systems and circumstances that contribute to inequality. It's leading up to the Juneteenth holiday . 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. The accusations come in a now-dismissed eviction case current Lincoln Building owner Henry Service filed against BEU in March, 2018. Get started with eight dining recommendations from local foodie Kasim Hardaway. 11249 Strang Line Rd. The 41 Action News Investigators went to current BEU board member Martinez Denmon's home to ask questions about BEU. High near 65F. That question has always felt easy to answer. Phone: (816) 666-9407, Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center (MOPTAC) I feel at home on the campus, and my time spent in the city has been mainly enjoyable. 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. So, we're trying to step in that piece and encourage kids to go to college and seek higher education," said Brenan Latimer, co-founder of The Future of Us.Organizers believe working together brings change. Barnes plans to put the money toward providing meals for the women in attendance at the event and hiring a contractor for the nonprofit. Teachers Like Me focuses heavily on recruiting, developing and retaining Black teachers. Getting help from the organization took some weight off her shoulders when she moved to Kansas City for a new job. ITS PARTNERING WITH THE UNITED WAYOR F THIS CAMPAIGN. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Where have all the candidates gone? 4220 Shawnee Mission Pkwy #350b 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. In an email response to the 41 Action News Investigators, Dixon called Harris' accusations against him "false, unfair and unwarranted.". 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. If youre looking to organize against the current, unstable political atmosphere, heres a list of 28 active organizations that service a range of black communities. Kansas City, KS 66101 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. I, and other young Black people, need to feel that Kansas City is for us. If you have an idea for a column, please read the guidelines for contributors. Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Independence, MO 64057 Black Girls Code is on a mission to increase the number of black women working in computer programming. 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. All rights reserved. The 41 Action News Investigators were unable to reach Parker for comment. I wouldn't have stood for it," Wood said. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Religious activists are trying to weaken new protections for LGBTQ workers, Public Integrity acquires tool to make data more accessible to journalists, Public Integrity staff share expertise in using data to cover inequality, Funding decisions often shortchange homeless students, Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Phone: (913)371-3070 Kansas City, MO 64130 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 Black Womens Blueprint services black women affected by issues such as sexual violence, abuse and incarceration. Business education and financial literacy is an integral first step (but not more important than access to capital). Three times BEU drew down Community Services Block Grant funds in excess of their immediate requirements in violation of federal rules and regulations. 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 The biggest, most glaring issue is that theres just a missing middle in housing, Morris said. Website:www.wcoekc.org, Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) 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. Contact: John OBrien 1701 So. In the city auditor's Dec. 31, 2003 report, it states "BEU paid a contractor without the contractor submitting invoices for approval. Calloway said large corporations told him they were afraid to invest in GIFT in its early days. I want to be around for a very long time. Cotton said. 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. We need to start normalizing building essential relationships. Richardson said. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Phone: (316) 681-1155 Contact: Ardith Deason The Trayvon Martin Foundation aims to spread awareness of the consequences of gun crime and caters to families affected by gun violence. Davis and Nix joined KCURs Up to Date to explain how theyve brought new talent to Kansas City and increased representation in classrooms, as well as some of the challenges they face. Bullington responds by sending a 2014 contract between BEU and the city to improve the Lincoln Building. KC's Official Visitors Guide is the place to find insider tips, local favorites and info on whats happening during your next visit. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. 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. q = []; THE FUTURE OF US IS ONE OF THE NON-PROFITS CHOSEN FOR FUNDING IT PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS TO INNER CITY STUDENTS BASED ON CHARACTER ANDOT MIVATION NOT STRICTLY TEST SCORES A LOT OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS HERE IN THE KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI. Instead, BEU's attorney sent an email stating no one would meet with the 41 Action News Investigators. A GuideStar Pro report containing the following information is available for this organization: This information is only available for subscribers and in Premium reports. Service said. window, Side hustles that dont turn into legitimate businesses are a problem caused by the education system, Smith said. Contact: Joe Arce What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, Ford says she's a paid intern and has served as a receptionist at BEU's Lincoln Building office in the past. Here are some of the organizations Give Black is fundraising for. It's a week-long campaign to raise grant money supporting black-owned businesses and nonprofits. By working with her landlord and sharing a waiting space with other businesses, McCray was able to keep Life's Work alive. So far, Teachers Like Me has helped 15 Black teachers. w.amptravel.q.push({ a:a, p:p }); 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. 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. Olathe superintendent spars with Kansas Republicans over why so many K-12 teachers are leaving. And the poverty rate is 36%. Phone: (913) 338-0774, Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City 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. The program gives money to cities - with relatively few strings attached - to help improve communities. Safe Passage is a curriculum based program that focuses on four primary areas: developing life skills both hard and soft promoting education including post high school opportunities like four year colleges, junior colleges, vocational and other programs and certifications leading to career fields community service and exploration of the institutions and cultures of Greater Kansas City. Morris said there may be an unintentional bias in philanthropic funding that favors other organizations over Black organizations. Not only in those buildings, but in that area, in the Power & Light District. "We've settled the litigation. and who do the programs serve? The ACT Right program provides free ACT test preparation classes and support for African American high school students, both male and female, helping students become better equipped to score well on the test. The Greenline Initiative finds these absent homes and renovates them before putting them on the market at reasonable prices. The original contract included $100,000 of federal money, with $75,000 of those funds budgeted to upgrade the elevator.