Communal care is very important. Oversight of the funding is done through a combination of local and federal officials. Phone: (816) 631-1700 Contact: Jauqua Wilkins "Where is it?". The BEU is one of dozens of non-governmental agencies which receive funding through the city. 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. Phone: (816)471-4898 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. Let us know. 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. The organization works to ensure social justice and equality for black immigrants. The lack of quality education that empowers us when were young to have the confidence to break down a lot of these barriers is a huge piece of that puzzle. Smith said. 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. 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. A Kansas City nonprofit with the mission of promoting economic development in the city's urban core is now under federal investigation. Independence, MO 64057 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. The summer program is scheduled to launch in 2022. Kansas City, MO 64105 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. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. All rights reserved. This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990-N. The week-long fundraiser helps local Black organizations that may have trouble accessing capital due to racial inequity in lending practices. I actually haven't been in the building myself in a long time.". The organization has award five grants since they started raising money last April . By hosting after school programs and workshops, the org plans to train one million young black women in the field by the year 2040. 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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KMBC-TV. In addressing Harris' claims, Lyman said in an email response to the 41 Action News Investigators there was "no malfeasance or illegal activity by me.". 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. If it is your nonprofit, add geographic service areas to create a map on your profile. WELL SEE THEN SO THE CHANG. 816-800-5025 Peachtree. 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? 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. 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. Owner Nika Cotton said her shop provides comfort and self-care for the Black community. Many young people are working for change right now, but we need to know were not alone in the fight. If you have an idea for a column, please read the guidelines for contributors. 8500 W. 71st St. 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. **GREAT PART TIME INCOME. Kansas City, MO 64106 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. 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. 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. The Nia Project offers holistic services and advocacy work for Black women and girls in Kansas City. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Lora McDonald, director of the Kansas City-based social justice organization More2, . Learning through measurement and evaluation help us better support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive. Give Black KC, Morris said, is helping uplift the nonprofits that are left behind. Barnes said a grant from Give Black KC would help sponsor the Black Women Get Fit event this October. I was really excited when they called me and talked about the opportunity to be a part of the collaborative, McCray said. "It's not something that I would've done. CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS The African-American contribution to the fame and fortune of Kansas City is indelible. 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. According to executive director Michael Watson, REAP began in the basement of Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church in 1982. The organization has programs for interpersonal conflict, anger management and restorative processes. Blue Springs, MO 64013-1312 720 Oak St. about GuideStar Pro. We need more initiatives like this. 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. Thats one reason Trinity Davis started Teachers Like Me. Lawrence, KS (66045) Today. 105 Haag Hall 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. Learn more Asian Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City Managing Editor: Denise Jordan "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. Organizers believe working together brings change. Fax: (816) 235-5522, National Association of Women Business Owners Greater KC Chapter (NAWBO) Think about a seemingly simple question: What are the health outcomes of a Black woman versus a white woman in Kansas City? With funding from prominent Black organizations, Perry's operation grew to be the first hospital owned and . Court records show after the sale of the Lincoln Building, BEU sued Service to try to get the building back. 100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City, Inc. Contact: Joe Arce This facility welcomes more than 75,000 thought leaders per year. Stay current with seasonal attractions, deals and more by signing up to receive our newsletter. Randolph said the Heartland Business Chamber of Commerce ramped up partnerships with other organizations doing similar work during the pandemic. The NAACP is a long standing civil rights organization that works on a broad scale to achieve racial justice for citizens in urban communities. That same tax record shows salaries and other employee benefits rose from $7,540 in 2015 to $79,361 in 2016. I always order the oxtails and curried goat because #gobigorgohome. Several Kansas City-area school districts cancel elections. A lot of people in the community are afraid of systems. e = d.createElement("script"); Payments were not supported by invoices or other documentation. Contact: info@midamericalgbt.org The contractor had control of the account and periodically transferred money out of the account. "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. Sign in. 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. Contact: Christine Campbell a.v = "2"; Contact: Simone Garza 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. All this week, the nonprofit Generating Income for Tomorrow is raising money to support five Black-led organizations. Follow @kcblackowned on Instagram forfresh information on a daily basis. Harris also opposed the sale and said Lyman and BEU Treasurer Charles Parker lied to him about the the sale's purpose. 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 want to live in a city that values its Black population. Many communities have business associations and chambers of commerce. I then documented by email enough cash resources BEU has to carry us for the next eight months. We can pool resources in order to better serve our community.. Academic, professional, and personal development programs are vital to the success of Kansas Citys Black youth. In 2003, former BEU Director Sylvester Holmes pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling $33,000 of the organization's money. Theyre not even ever thinking about a bank loan. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time. Kansas City, MO 64105 A Kansas City non-profit with the mission of promoting economic development in the city's urban core is under federal investigation. Black Lives Matter was formed in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in 2013 and quickly became a national movement to end police brutality. Kansas City records show BEU has a long and frequently troubled history over the last 20 years. Cortlynn Stark writes about finance and the economy for The Sum. It isnt meant for me. With over 30 signature daiquiri mixes,there'ssomething for everyone,but I personally enjoy the Bahama Mama and Purple Passion., Meet KC's Black-owned businesses with KC Black Owned, Looking for moreways to get to know KC's Black-ownedbusinesses? Part of HuffPost Black Voices. Atlanta is a hub of Black history, culture, and opportunity a vital fact for me as a Black woman majoring in African and African-American Studies. SO WHAT THES CHANGE? 1715 E. 18th St. "We'll track down any money the taxpayers have put into projects, make sure it's responsibly spent," Lucas said at the time. 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. All this week, the nonprofit Generating Income for Tomorrow is raising money to support five Black-led organizations. "https://g.amp.travel", "You don't necessarily have to be a millionaire to make changes in people's lives is really cool," Latimer said. A verification email has been sent to you. P.O. 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 dont necessarily need a replica of Atlanta to be built here, but Ive lived in Kansas City all my life (admittedly, only 20 years). BEU paid the contractor in excess of actual expenses incurred. Keep your current job, and work with us on the side. The future of us is one of the nonprofits chosen for funding. So, Kansas City, Ive asked my question why should I stay? In other communities, local business associations can help find resources. 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. With over a million members, Color of Change works to end racial injustice manifested in the media, economy and criminal justice system. Kansas City needs to create inclusive housing where Black and low-income people can feel safe and welcome. 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) 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. My vision is to get past the safety net, Barnes said. Now, how will your actions answer? Fax:(816)531-5256, Kansas City Hispanic News Barnes plans to put the money toward providing meals for the women in attendance at the event and hiring a contractor for the nonprofit. That's because right now, health care organizations in Kansas City are not aligned in how they collect data around race, ethnicity, [] Kansas City, MO 64116 Leaders working to support Black business owners joined an online forum organized. Jamie Jiang is a news intern for KCUR 89.3. Browse many more Black-owned businesses and restaurants in the Kansas City area below. A sign now on the window of the office reads, To mail carrier from BEU, please hold all mail in the post office. Kelly Eckerman. ITS PARTNERING WITH THE UNITED WAYOR F THIS CAMPAIGN. The Empowerment Program offers resources like employment assistance and housing referrals for black women experiencing poverty, homelessness and incarceration. 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. 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." The accusations come in a now-dismissed eviction case current Lincoln Building owner Henry Service filed against BEU in March, 2018. Three times BEU drew down Community Services Block Grant funds in excess of their immediate requirements in violation of federal rules and regulations. Its definitely my mission to balance kind of self care with communal care, Cotton said. In other communities, local business associations can help find resources. by Ashley Clarke, Center for Public Integrity July 27, 2021, This and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.. But Awesome Ambitions needs funding in order to provide these experiences to girls. 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. 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. The first extension, in February 2015, gave BEU an additional $71,500 for that purpose. There's so many different types of people in the urban core, Martins said. 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. 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. 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. 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. Marvin used the term "development costs," not for a BEU development, but for Vewiser Dixon's development.". Contact: Ardith Deason Calloway said the experience is not unique to GIFT. Kansas City, MO 64108 Phone: (816) 471-0550