KC ‘community crusader’ Thalia Cherry joins Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on EBONY Power 100 list
March 5, 2020 | Startland News Staff
Editor’s note: Thalia Cherry is a board member of STARTLAND, the ecosystem building organization that operates Startland News. This story was produced independently by Startland News’ nonprofit newsroom.
A Kansas City entrepreneur widely known for sports apparel lines honoring the history of the Chiefs and Monarchs is earning acclaim in her own right.
Thalia Cherry secured a top spot among “Community Crusaders” on EBONY magazine’s 2020 EBONY Power 100 List, which recognizes individuals who have had a positive impact on the African-American community.
Click here to see the entire EBONY Power 100, which also includes sports stars like Patrick Mahomes, TV personality Gayle King, pop singer Lizzo, rapper Lil Nas X and a host of business and cultural leaders.
Cherry, CEO and founder of Cherry, a KC-based sports gear company catered to women, was selected for the distinction because of her work in the education field, according to the magazine. Her work to design an entrepreneurial model that impacts high school students is an effort to change teens’ economic trajectory, ultimately increasing the percentage of entrepreneurs of colors in the Kansas City region, which is currently ranked second lowest in the country.
“We are thrilled to be able to recognize those who are making a difference for our people around the world,” said Willard Jackson, EBONY chairman and CEO. “Every name on the list is a leader and have had a positive impact on the African-American community. They shape perceptions, influence culture and galvanize communities. They are game-changers at a time when we need people to get in the game.”
Cherry and Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs MVP honoree, make history as the first two Kansas City personalities to be featured among the EBONY Power 100 — which evolved from the magazine’s “Most Influential Black Americans List,” first launched in 1971.
Click here to read more about one of Cherry’s latest collections, a nod to past Chiefs players.
This story is possible thanks to support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful.
For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect at www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn
Featured Business
2020 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Zee underscores artists’ need for positive venues; creative powerhouse opens pocket of support
Zahra Briggs developed her creative voice in Kansas City; now she’s setting the stage for fellow independent artists who struggle to find venues that match their vibe — and often have to pay to perform. She’s even creating a version of herself in the metaverse to open access further. A singer and songwriter herself, Briggs — who…
MyAnIML earns NSF funding, patent; now facing new phase of growth with industry validation
Thanks to a recent federal grant — along with a newly secured patent on its first-of-its-kind, proprietary facial recognition tech for cows — MyAnIML is proving its place as a leader within a herd of ag innovation, Shekhar Gupta said. The Overland Park startup received a 250,000 Phase I grant from the National Science Foundation…
KC’s next LGBTQ+ space wants to be more than just a raging club; How this permanent takeover aims to better reflect queer nightlife
Westport nightlife is set for transformation as a sweeping expansion adds seven late-night hotspots to the historic entertainment district — anchored by a new bar catering specifically to Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ community. Q Kansas City — a collaboration with Lance Pierce of Queer Bar Takeover — is expected open its doors in October at 504 Westport…
Chef brings Urban concept back to Troost; $25K GIFT grant boosts fight against gentrification
Chef Justin Clark’s latest venture — an eatery that blends Asian and soul food influences — aims to not only blur the boundaries between menus, but break down dividing lines within and between communities. “The goal was to create familiar items that everyone actually can relate to as Americans, but then again, we add some…