Contact: Christine Campbell 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 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. Phone: (816) 474-3558, American Indian Council Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. So, Kansas City, Ive asked my question why should I stay? Its unjust for the burden of change to fall on Black youth when inequity is consistently maintained by those with power and privilege. 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. "For the life of me, I can't explain why they did what they did," Wood said in describing the sale. 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. Fax:(816)421-5247, The Community Voice The Pennsylvania Prison Society is a long-standing organization dedicated to reforming the criminal justice system. If it is your nonprofit, add a problem overview. 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. Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Residents can help raise capital for underserved communities trying to build a better Kansas City. This is the start of Give Black KC. Calloway said the experience is not unique to GIFT. 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." Seems simple, say members of a Kansas City Health Equity Learning and Action Network working group. Blue Springs, MO 64013-1312 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. 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." Owner Nika Cotton said her shop provides comfort and self-care for the Black community. 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. The opportunities to supportKC's local Black-owned businesses are vast, from favorite area restaurants to bookstores that foster a connected community of readers. Banks that Cotton approached for startup capital would only lend to existing businesses. 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. 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). We need more initiatives like this. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Please check your inbox in order to proceed. 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. 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. document Phone: (913)371-3070 According to Harris, BEU's board neither voted on nor approved the loan - a violation of the organization's policies, rules and procedures. This is almost like a trade. Learn more Ford says she's a paid intern and has served as a receptionist at BEU's Lincoln Building office in the past. I was attending a reception with Sisters Circle of Greater Kansas City, an organization which had awarded a large grant to Awesome Ambitions. I ultimately remained in Missouri for college, attending Washington University in St. Louis. 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. 55th St. 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. By the time Thompson retired as board chair in March 2016, Thompson claimed the BEU owned the Lincoln Building free and clear. There, I experienced a sense of belonging and comfort that I had struggled to create for myself in Kansas City. "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.GIFT is partnering with the United Way for this campaign. Overland Park, KS 66210 In the city auditor's Dec. 31, 2003 report, it states "BEU paid a contractor without the contractor submitting invoices for approval. The Trayvon Martin Foundation aims to spread awareness of the consequences of gun crime and caters to families affected by gun violence. Im not the only one. ", Also in the same report it states, "BEU's former executive director's name remained on an account for the agency's Community Service Block Grant until December, 2004. 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.". 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. 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? Through partnerships with other local organizations, WeCode students can build projects and receive stipends to gain real-world experience. 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. Contact: Donna Porch Here are three broad ones that come to mind. It's about equality but also equity. Kansas City, MO 64106 Many students may not be interested or be able to afford to go to college. Getting help from the organization took some weight off her shoulders when she moved to Kansas City for a new job. I want to live in a city that values its Black population. Otherwise, my young, diverse generation will take our talent, leadership, and drive to create equitable, anti-racist communities elsewhere. Our team is made up of connectors and doers who dream big, solve problems together with the communities we serve and take calculated risks to drive results. A grant from Give Black would allow her to market better and reach an even wider audience. ITS PARTNERING WITH THE UNITED WAYOR F THIS CAMPAIGN. Many small minority- owned businesses dont have access to an adequate amount of credit, so a large part of their capital comes from consumers. "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. BEU appears to have made duplicate payments to contractors.". A verification email has been sent to you. A 41 Action News Investigation reveals federal officials are looking at how the Black Economic Union of Greater Kansas City spent tax dollars. w.amptravel.q.push({ a:a, p:p }); 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. Fierce is New York-based organization catering to the extremely underserved LGBT youth of color. In honor of Juneteenth, Give Black KC is raising $80,000 for eight Black-led nonprofits and businesses in Kansas City. 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. Contact: Sook Park The 41 Action News Investigators went to current BEU board member Martinez Denmon's home to ask questions about BEU. "We found that BEU was in terrible trouble, just a mess," Thompson said in the video. 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. Contact: Sharmin Lang I actually haven't been in the building myself in a long time.". The farm also supplies fresh fruits and vegetables to the neighborhood, combating the food desert currently plaguing communities east of Troost. Atlanta-based organization Sister Love commits itself to educating women of color about reproductive health, safe sex and HIV/AIDS. 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. In 2003, former BEU Director Sylvester Holmes pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling $33,000 of the organization's money. Officers, directors, trustees, and key employees, Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics, Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools, Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations, Revenue and expense data for the current fiscal year, CEO, Board Chair, and Board of Directors information. Programs like Awesome Ambitions, which encourage economic and social mobility, prepare young people for college and careers, and create rich networking opportunities, should be heavily funded. I want to be around for a very long time. Cotton said. Bullington responds by sending a 2014 contract between BEU and the city to improve the Lincoln Building. We need to start normalizing building essential relationships. Richardson said. Editor: Clara Reyes I once stood inside the One Light Luxury Apartments in downtown Kansas City. That feeling only increased when I visited Atlanta twice during my senior year of high school. 1710 Paseo 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. 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. A Kansas City non-profit with the mission of promoting economic development in the city's urban core is under federal investigation. Ashley is Audience engagement editor for the Center for Public Integrity. to get more GuideStar Nonprofit Profile data today! All this week, the nonprofit Generating Income for Tomorrow is raising money to support five Black-led organizations. Contact: Ardith Deason The 41 Action News Investigators, on multiple occasions over several months, have gone to BEUs office in the Lincoln Building seeking comment. 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. *** 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. This is jumping off point to begin financial sustainability for these organizations, he said. Of the 107,000 residents who live east of Troost, more than 75% are Black. Randolph said the Heartland Business Chamber of Commerce ramped up partnerships with other organizations doing similar work during the pandemic. 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. Contact: Leonard Graham I'm the 100 percent owner of the Lincoln Building and that's the way it should be," Service said. The Coalition will award $5,000 grants to more than 280 Black-owned businesses every fall between 2020 and 2023. A lot of the folks that we serve are afraid of systems. I then documented by email enough cash resources BEU has to carry us for the next eight months. 607-a Minnesota Ave. Stop the gentrification of neighborhoods near Troost and develop the neighborhood for those that already live there: keep it affordable, remodel whats there, and bring in businesses that the current residents need and want. Learning through measurement and evaluation help us better support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive. Communal care is very important. 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. The contractor authorized all payments during the fiscal year from the program fund. You need to build a relationship with your banker. 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. Kansas City, MO 64110 Banks can be reluctant to lend to Black-owned businesses and nonprofits. Contact: Karla Martinez The future of us is one of the nonprofits chosen for funding. Email: Brande Stitt, UMKC Womens Center Keep your current job, and work with us on the side. "We had to put about a million dollars in refurbishing this building," Thompson said. 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. 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. City Hall Departments Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department (CREO). BEU was one of only two agencies not to submit its financial reports and internal control analysis for the city auditors review on time. Generating Income for Tomorrow is raising money to support five Black-led organizations. They ignored that and moved forward with the sale and without a lawyer.". Calloway believes Give Black KC can do good work fighting racial inequity in the philanthropic sector. Im all about the collective effort, the things that we can do. To donate, go to GiveBlackKC.org or you can text GiveBlack22 to 41444. 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. 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. 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. The BEU understands Mr. Service is in the process of hiring a property manager for the building. Incite works to end violence against women of color through organizing events, conferences, circulating newsletters and strategic political initiatives. Sign up to receive our freeWatchdog email newsletter, a weekly investigation in inequality from Public Integrity. A Kansas City non-profit with the mission of promoting economic development in the city's urban core is under federal investigation. I spoke as the newly selected Junior Advisory Board President. 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. "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. Want to explore Waldo? Additional Email: [email protected], Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce 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, its a misconception that running a business is easier than working for someone else, Randolph added. 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.. 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. Barnes said a grant from Give Black KC would help sponsor the Black Women Get Fit event this October. Website:www.wcoekc.org, Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) The organization has programs for interpersonal conflict, anger management and restorative processes.