Minority-Led

Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls Code, Techweek KC diversity

Techweek dedicating Oct. 10 afternoon programming to diversity in KC business culture

By Tommy Felts / September 14, 2018

A first-time programming track dedicated to diversity and inclusion issues is an intentional effort by Techweek Kansas City organizers to open a needed conversation about true representation in the city’s business culture, said Drew Solomon. The mid-point of the Oct. 8-12 Techweek KC event series is expected to feature an afternoon of panel discussions and…

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Second-shift startup: Wobblrs pins soccer-inspired game’s future to youth sports pivot

By Tommy Felts / September 11, 2018

Wobblrs, a soccer-specific tailgating game, is refocusing its niche on youth development, said Roberto Camacho. The game, which involves two self-righting pins for players to knock over by kicking a soccer ball, is proving to be a valuable exercise in aiming, as well as a basic introduction to soccer, said Camacho. “I had a few…

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Alvin Brooks at Operation Breakthrough bridge

Operation Breakthrough bridge over Troost symbolizes ‘real community’ at an intersection

By Tommy Felts / September 6, 2018

With reflection in his voice, Alvin Brooks paused. “The city has to be a partner,” the Civil Rights activist and veteran Kansas City Police Commissioner said as he spoke of the redevelopment of Troost Avenue — the well known racial dividing line, that has long isolated the east side of the Kansas City metro from the…

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Kemet Coleman, Troostapalooza

Troostapalooza aims to shed the old skin of city’s racial dividing line, says Kemet Coleman

By Tommy Felts / September 6, 2018

Troostapalooza will build community while constructively addressing the elephant in the room, said Kemet Coleman, organizer of the newly developed street festival. “We wanted to create a home away from home on Troost that is inclusive and sensitive to the historic and existing nuances,” he said. “Not the violent, divisive one that is portrayed by…

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Daniel Edwards, Movement KC

Defiant anti-gentrification voice: Clock is ticking on east side neighborhoods, Movement KC

By Tommy Felts / September 6, 2018

Daniel Edwards isn’t shy about his frustrations with the perception of Kansas City’s east side. “I remember my first corporate lunch after graduating college: the joke was, ‘Nobody wants to go near 35th and Prospect at night time,’” said Edwards, a Kansas City area developer and the founder of Movement KC. “I was like, ‘Yo, it’s…

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