Minority-Led

Founders want answers for investors after crowdfunding platform fueling emerging bars, restaurants unexpectedly shutters

By Tommy Felts / May 18, 2024

News this week that peer-to-peer business lending platform Mainvest would cease operations within a month “came out of left field,” said Jhy Coulter. “We got the email just like everyone else, and it was pretty surprising,” the owner of Orange By: Devoured and Devoured Pizza said, adding that she feels “sad because I felt like…

Make some noise: Massive riverfront development expected to anchor KC as a destination for prosperity

By Tommy Felts / May 18, 2024

A proposed Berkley Riverfront stadium-side mixed-use development is a game changer for Kansas City, Raven Jemison shared, and it’s is a big reason she chose the role of KC Current president. “Just a soccer club, just a stadium, that’s awesome — obviously, sports is a great platform for economic development — but when you talk…

EDCKC celebrates leaders who transformed KCMO through equitable development projects

By Tommy Felts / May 16, 2024

Reshaping Kansas City doesn’t come without focused, intentional efforts by development advocates and officials, said Mayor Quinton Lucas, offering a toast to one of his city hall predecessors and her work to revitalize the heart of the city. “​​Many of us are blessed to remember Mayor Kay Barnes thinking about what downtown could be, and…

This KCK native started his own Black rodeo to celebrate cowboys left out of Western lore

By Tommy Felts / May 16, 2024

Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Ivan McClellan’s new photobook, “Eight Seconds,” documents the Black riders, ropers and rodeo queens encountered in dusty arenas around the United…

When your hobby takes a leap: Turning passion into a business

By Tommy Felts / May 14, 2024

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Latasha Randle is a Strategy & Small Business Program Manager at H&R Block, a company founded and headquartered in downtown Kansas City.  Many of us have hobbies that spark joy and help us unwind from the stresses of everyday life. From gardening, painting, knitting,…