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. Contact: Joe Arce Associates of the Kauffman Foundation work in partnership with people who share a passion for entrepreneurship and education. 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.". Incite works to end violence against women of color through organizing events, conferences, circulating newsletters and strategic political initiatives. Atlanta-based organization Sister Love commits itself to educating women of color about reproductive health, safe sex and HIV/AIDS. about GuideStar Pro. I felt like Atlanta was already my city. Calloway said large corporations told him they were afraid to invest in GIFT in its early days. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. THE COUNSELORS ARE KINOFD FOCUSED ON GETTING PEOPLE TO GRADUATE THINGS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL GETNGTI KIDS TO SCHOOL. Our grantmaking, research, programs, and initiatives support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. 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. Now, REAP offers food pantry assistance to 150 families a week and other assistance to 25 families a week. Calloway believes Give Black KC can do good work fighting racial inequity in the philanthropic sector. Time and time again, black Americans have often come together in vulnerable times through mobilization. Contact: Donna Porch 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. 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. I am not interested in remaining in a city that is not made for me. Get started with eight dining recommendations from local foodie Kasim Hardaway. Reached by phone, Harris declined comment about his accusations in the court record. My email is steve@kcur.org. Collaboration is key Randolph said the Heartland Business Chamber of Commerce ramped up partnerships with other organizations doing similar work during the pandemic. "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. 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. 816-234-4784. Managing Editor: Denise Jordan 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. If Im going to consider Kansas City my long-term home in the future, there are several changes that would have to occur first. 100BMGKC has structured their mentoring programs to work to close the educational gap for African American students in Kansas City and to equip, enrich and empower young men so they can make the choices necessary to lead healthy, successful and satisfying lives. Payments were not supported by invoices or other documentation. 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. 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 programs led by professional men from various industries and fields, serving as community volunteers: "Real Men Giving Real Time. It provides scholarships to inner-city students based on character and motivation, not strictly test scores. 1710 Paseo 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 future of us is one of the nonprofits chosen for funding. Fax: (913) 287-5881, Kansas City Call (weekly) The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. We always hear a lot about, you know, taking care of ourselves, but its so important that we take care of each other. Im not the only one. Soulcentricitea is a tea shop at 37th and Troost where all of the signature drinks are named after prominent Black authors. 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. 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. Kansas City, KS 66106 She previously covered City Hall for The Kansas City Star and joined The Star in January 2020 as a breaking news . They dont have a real business, she said. "We found that BEU was in terrible trouble, just a mess," Thompson said in the video. if (w.amptravel) return; The future of us is one of the nonprofits chosen for funding. Fax:(816)531-5256, Kansas City Hispanic News If you have an idea for a column, please read the guidelines for contributors. My Brothers Keeper, an initiative of the Obama administration, aims to unite and amplify the voices of black men through mentorship. 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. 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. These efforts require funding and, in some cases, volunteer support. Ford says she's a paid intern and has served as a receptionist at BEU's Lincoln Building office in the past. Leaders working to support Black business owners joined an online forum organized. The organization works to ensure social justice and equality for black immigrants. That same tax record shows salaries and other employee benefits rose from $7,540 in 2015 to $79,361 in 2016. 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.". 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. 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. 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. Its unjust for the burden of change to fall on Black youth when inequity is consistently maintained by those with power and privilege. That they dont belong. 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. 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 All this week, the nonprofit Generating Income for Tomorrow is raising money to support five Black-led organizations. In an August 2018 email, Lorek asks Bullington for an accounting of all federal money given to BEU. Preview what's available here: Fax:(816)421-5247, 414 E. 12th Street 4200 Little Blue Parkway, Suite 590 107 W. 10th St. With multiple branches throughout the nation, The Innocence Project works to exonerate those who have been wrongfully convicted of crimes by providing free legal assistance. The 41 Action News Investigators went to current BEU board member Martinez Denmon's home to ask questions about BEU. Fundraiser this week will help Kansas City Black-led organizations, TO BUILD A BETTER, KANSAS CITY. 105 Haag Hall Founded in 1910, The National Urban League uses programs, research and advocacy to advance civil rights for people of color. Morris said there may be an unintentional bias in philanthropic funding that favors other organizations over Black organizations. Curls, Daniel Smith from Porter House KC, Nia Richardson from KC BizCare and Kim Randolph from the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce talked about the impact COVID-19 has had on a community already facing disproportionate barriers from historic redlining and other forms of discrimination. 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. 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. 8500 W. 71st St. 1715 E. 18th St. 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. Sign up for our best content straight to your inbox, and join the conversation on our social channels. Follow @kcblackowned on Instagram forfresh information on a daily basis. This is Give Black KC Week a fundraiser for Black-led organizations in the metro. 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. Phone: (816) 235-2891, Kansas City Society of Black Architects and Engineers Randolph added that people have to understand the difference between creating a job and starting a business. There's so many different types of people in the urban core, Martins said. So, Kansas City, Ive asked my question why should I stay? That feeling only increased when I visited Atlanta twice during my senior year of high school. 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. 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. 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. Lora McDonald, director of the Kansas City-based social justice organization More2, . Kansas City, KS 66101 100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City, Inc. ", Email contact available with a Pro subscription. document Despite two contract extensions the city gave BEU to complete the work, it wasn't finished by September, 2016. 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. ITS ABOUT EQUALITY. Know of other businesses that belong on this list? Harris also claims that loan was concealed from him in his role as board chairman. Blue Springs, MO 64013-1312 When I spoke with Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas in January about my plans to move, he told me we could build an Atlanta here. I smiled at his enthusiasm to convince me to stay but found I couldnt match his confidence. AAPC is New York-based organization focused on resolving issues of domestic violence, substance abuse, unemployment and HIV/AIDS in black communities. I wouldn't have stood for it," Wood said. 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. 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. 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. By: Andy Alcock Posted at 10:30 AM, Sep 26, 2019 Kansas City, MO 64108 By hosting after school programs and workshops, the org plans to train one million young black women in the field by the year 2040. Many young people are working for change right now, but we need to know were not alone in the fight. e = d.createElement("script"); "We'll track down any money the taxpayers have put into projects, make sure it's responsibly spent," Lucas said at the time. It's leading up to the Juneteenth holiday . Fax:(816)421-5247, The Community Voice "https://g.amp.travel", Contact: Kim Randolph Sign up to receive our freeWatchdog email newsletter, a weekly investigation in inequality from Public Integrity. And, its a misconception that running a business is easier than working for someone else, Randolph added. Website:www.wcoekc.org, Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) The Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City launched a program Thursday that aims to provide vital resources to Black-owned businesses in under-resourced communities. 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. 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. By the time Thompson retired as board chair in March 2016, Thompson claimed the BEU owned the Lincoln Building free and clear. "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. TWOC offers support and resources for trans women of color, a highly marginalized community. The accusations come in a now-dismissed eviction case current Lincoln Building owner Henry Service filed against BEU in March, 2018. Still, panelists stress the importance of business owners familiarizing themselves with local banks. 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. Winds SW at 25 to 35 mph. Phone: (816)923-5399 *** 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. KC Chapter Information Info@WCOEKC.org The former executive director was terminated in March 2003.". KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Empowerment Program offers resources like employment assistance and housing referrals for black women experiencing poverty, homelessness and incarceration. Box 411511 Fax: (816)444-3226 In honor of. I first fell in love withRuby JeansJuicerywhen I heard the story behind its namesakethe grandmother of the owner and operator, Chris Goode. Contact: Brenda Bethman Fairway, KS 66205 Phone: (816) 666-9407, Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center (MOPTAC) Once the property manager is in place, the BEU expects to have a more consistent presence at its office in the Lincoln Building.". If it is your nonprofit, add a problem overview. Think about a seemingly simple question: What are the health outcomes of a Black woman versus a white woman in 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. But it's not. I was sure there was a future for me down south. 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. Missouri state records show Prosperity Electric dissolved in February 2019. On the UrbnHub Facebook group, Martins promotes entrepreneurship resources, vaccination events, school events, food banks, employment fairs and other resources to her 477 members. ALP is a New York-based organization that dedicates itself to achieving social and economic equality for LGBT communities of color. Kansas City, MO 64116 The 41 Action News Investigators were unable to reach Parker for comment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time. 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Let us know. "Where is it?". The only BEU associate who agreed to speak on camera is Takishia Ford. Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 6025 Prospect As the Three Light apartments are constructed, and plans for Four, Five, and Six Light apartments are underway, I wonder if young Black people in Kansas City feel the same way as I do. Thats one reason Trinity Davis started Teachers Like Me.