Minority-Led

Grantmaking reboot ‘just one piece of the larger puzzle’ in Kauffman Foundation reset, CEO says

By Tommy Felts / September 5, 2024

Overhauling the Kauffman Foundation’s grantmaking strategy aligns with a broader, holistic reset for the influential Kansas City organization, said Dr. DeAngela Burns Wallace, emphasizing org-wide moves to deepen the impact and dialogue sparked by its giving. “We’re still engaged in the work happening locally, regionally, and nationally,” said Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Ewing…

KC Current’s goalkeeper AD Franch lauded for teaming with WeCodeKC to empower urban youth 

By Tommy Felts / September 4, 2024

AD Franch is more than just a world-class athlete; she’s a true community servant, said Tammy Buckner, founder of WeCodeKC, heaping praise on the KC Current goalkeeper-turned-advocate for technology education in Kansas City. “Her passion and dedication to our students are unmatched,” said Buckner. “Through her partnership, we’ve been able to bring sports and technology…

KC Chamber set to honor steward of economic inclusion with its 2024 ATHENA award

By Tommy Felts / September 3, 2024

Transformational leadership guides Qiana Thomason’s purpose, officials with the KC Chamber said, detailing the Health Forward Foundation executive’s commitment to health equity through strategic community investments and policy influence through seasoned social capital.  Thomason is set to be honored 5 p.m. Oct. 16 at Starlight Theatre during the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s 2024…

From Cleveland Heights to KC: This streetwear brand opens season on Midwest style

By Tommy Felts / September 3, 2024

As anticipation builds for Thursday’s Chiefs home opener at Arrowhead Stadium, Aric Jones is channeling that energy into his streetwear venture — a play that brings Travis Kelce’s childhood best friend’s lifestyle and clothing brand from Cleveland Heights to Kansas City. Homebred is debuting a six-month showroom at KC Beauty Collective, 1819 Wyandotte St., during…

Prospect KC finds new home for its fight against food apartheid; culinary training moves to The Paseo

By Tommy Felts / August 30, 2024

A new pairing between The Prospect KC and Nourish KC sets the table for transformation within Kansas City’s food deserts, said award-winning Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant, announcing the relocation of her social enterprise and its game-changing culinary training program. The collaboration combines the strengths of both organizations in their fights against hunger, leaders said, with The…