Minority-Led

KC duo opens candy shop at Mizzou, bringing familiar flavors to students far from home

By Tommy Felts / December 1, 2022

COLUMBIA, Missouri — A pair of Mizzou students from the Kansas City area are providing international students on campus with a taste of home. Kogo’s Kandies sells candy and treats from other countries, with the goal of fostering a more inclusive campus environment at the University of Missouri, said co-founders Jacob Burrell-Kogo and Henry Accardo.…

Feds award KCK college $745K+ to boost 30 low-income STEM students working toward biology degrees

By Tommy Felts / December 1, 2022

A National Science Foundation grant is expected to support the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income STEM students, said U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, announcing the award. Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) is set to receive $745,635 to fund scholarships — over the next five years — for 30 full-time students who are pursuing a…

Shop Small: 5 gifts made locally that don’t scream ‘Kansas City’ (KC Gift Guide)

By Tommy Felts / November 26, 2022

Editor’s note: This feature is the fifth in Startland News’ five-part holiday gift guide showcasing Kansas City makers and their products. Check out the featured maker below, then keep reading for five gift ideas to get started. It’s only fitting that Whitney Manney’s favorite Christmas gift memory comes packed with references to her future fashion…

Troost restaurant teases key ingredient to KC’s best chicken and waffles

By Tommy Felts / November 25, 2022

Tameisha Martin was tired of watching dreams go to the grave, she shared.  “Ever since I could remember, my mother and my grandmother talked about wanting to open their own restaurant. They loved cooking for church and community events. … Unfortunately, my grandmother is gone now, so she didn’t get to see this dream come…

How investments in Black businesses can help close KC’s racial wealth gap

By Tommy Felts / November 25, 2022

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by The Kansas City Beacon, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. When Denisha Jones launched her business, Sweet Peaches Cobblers, in August 2020, it was just…