KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A new fundraising effort this week will benefit Kansas City’s Black community. Give Black KC is a one-day campaign to support businesses, neighborhoods and job training in the urban core. Give Black KC is a coalition of three Black-led organizations promoting Black success and equity. On Thursday, the goal is to raise $600,000 in 24 hours.
“Why now? Because it hasn’t happened before and the time is right. We’re in a pandemic. People are struggling. Small businesses are struggling, you know –most people should know that small Black businesses are underfunded compared to other businesses. So, this is an opportunity to step in and help fill that gap,” said Ajia Morris, CEO of The Greenline Initiative.
One-third of the money raised will go toward renovating blighted homes in the urban core and expanding opportunities for homeownership. Another one-third of the funds will go to the new Generating Income For Tomorrow Kansas City program supporting more Black-owned businesses.
“We are hungry for actual change that we have been talking about for years and decades to happen right here in Kansas City,” said Brandon Calloway, executive director of G.I.F.T.
The Urban League of Greater Kansas City is also part of the Give Black KC campaign and will use the money for higher education and job training opportunities.
“Whether you live in this neighborhood or not, there’s nobody in this city that doesn’t want to see this area thrive,” Calloway said.
“For me, it’s an opportunity to put your money where your mouth is and say, ‘Hey, I truly care about my friends on the east side and this is how I’m going to pay it forward,'” Morris said.
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