The Community Voice

Ready, Set, READICT
2026-01-10 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Advanced Learning Library, 711 West 2nd St N, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
Join us for a casual celebration to talk about the new ReadICT categories, give recommendations, reflect on our favorite books of the last decade (in honor of 10 years of ReadICT) and more!

Gospel Experience Day Brunch
2026-01-10 11:00 - 13:00 | WSU Metroplex, 5025 E 29th, Wichita, Kansas
1st Ever The Gospel Experience Day Brunch – An Elegant Experience of Faith and Food

It Had to Happen Book Signing
2026-01-09 18:00 - 20:00 | 3502 Gillham Rd, 3502 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
What’s a man without a legacy? Find out during a special meet & greet w/ Dr. Kareem “DJ Kayotik” Thomson during his Book Tour stop at Bliss

Join us at Bliss Books & Wine for a book signing and meet & greet with Dr. Kareem “DJ Kayotik” Thomson, author of the powerful new memoir, It Had to Happen: What’s a Man Without a Legacy!

Kareem Thomson’s life has been shaped by resilience, heartbreak, and an unyielding will to rise from the ashes. A husband, father, and military veteran, Kareem has overcome unimaginable challenges. As DJ Kayotik, he has rocked crowds across five continents, working alongside some of the biggest names in music, including 50 Cent. But behind the accolades, there is a man with a story much deeper than his public persona.

Growing up in Southside Jamaica, Queens, during the crack epidemic, Kareem’s life was marked by addiction, loss, and survival. From his parents’ struggles with drugs to his own journey through homelessness, he faced the harsh realities of life head-on. But nothing could prepare him for the greatest loss of all-the death of his only son, Dante, just weeks before his high school graduation.

In It Had to Happen, Kareem takes readers through his darkest moments of grief and despair, revealing how the loss of his son shattered him-and how it also led him closer to God. Through his pain, Kareem finds healing, drawing strength from his faith and the love of his family.

This is not just a story of survival; it’s a story of transformation. It’s about a man who learned to honor his son’s legacy, embrace his role as a father, and heal a broken heart. It Had to Happen is a raw, powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, and how even in the deepest pain, there is hope for redemption.

Kareem Thomson’s journey is ongoing, and this book is a tribute to a man who continues to fight for his legacy-one step at a time.

Location: 3502 Gillham Rd
Date: January 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM (Central Time)
Mark your calendars and spread the word. See you there!

Friends of WAM Mini Used Book Sale
2026-01-09 10:00 - 17:00 | Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
Free admission, bring $ for some books!

Calling all book lovers and collectors! The Friends of WAM will have a wide selection of gently-used books for all ages and interests, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and many 1st editions, author signed and rare-finds. These will go quickly, so plan to arrive early to get first pick! All proceeds from the Mini Used Book Sale benefit WAM’s events and programs.

KC Comedy Hub Presents: The POC M-I-C @ Vine Street Brewing!
2026-01-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-29 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Vine Street Brewing Co., 2010 Vine Street, #Building 2A, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Welcome to the ONLY comedy open mic in KC exclusively for people of color, and it’s weekly! EVERY MONDAY // 7:00PM // @ Vine Street Brewing!

From the Heartland to the World: How HBCUs Shape Global Leaders
2026-01-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Kansas
This alumni-focused panel highlights Wichita natives who attended HBCUs and went on to excel in influential, high-impact careers. Panelists will discuss how their HBCU experiences prepared them to lead, innovate, and compete on a global stage.

#WichitaHBCUAlumniCollective

Dirk Chaney Memorial Concert
2026-01-02 19:00 | St. Andrews Missionary Baptist Church, 3901 E. 25th Street North, Wichita, KS, 67220, United States
36th Annual Dirk Chaney Memorial Concert

Jazz Storytelling
2026-01-02 10:00 - 11:00 | American Jazz Museum Atrium, 1616 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Jazz Storytelling is a free, family-friendly, interactive show taking place in the museum, introducing young kids to the magic of jazz!

2StepGameNight - ALL BLK 3
2026-01-01 20:00 - 2026-01-02 02:00 | Elevation Grille, 6141 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Raytown, MO, 64133, United States
2StepGameNight (ALL BLK 3) Dance Play Connect BEST VIBES ON THURSDAY NIGHTS
– Presented by Gerron Greenfield + WkndMuve
-Thursday Jan 1st

Afrocaribbean NYE With Rara Lakay
2025-12-31 22:00 - 2026-01-01 02:00 | Cable Event Center, 1327 Burlington Street, #Suite N, North Kansas City, MO, 64116, United States
Get ready to dance the night away with the best Afrocaribbean vibes and celebrate the New Year in style!

Afrocaribbean NYE With Rara Lakay
Join us for an unforgettable Afrocaribbean New Year’s Eve celebration with the amazing band Rara Lakay! Get ready for a night filled with vibrant music, energetic dancing, and delicious food and cocktails.
Event Details:
Venue: Cable Event Center
Date: December 31st, 2025 at 10:00 Pm Til 2Am.
Come and immerse yourself in the rich culture and rhythms of Afrocaribbean music. Let’s kick off the new year in style with Rara Lakay Live in the building Ayati Rara Dance group alongside Dj Flip Intl, Dj Gio, Dj Swart live djs playing the best of mixtures!

New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball
2025-12-31 21:00 - 2026-01-01 02:00 | Elizabeth’s Lounge, 6160 E 21st N Ste 100, Wichita, Kansas, 67208
DJ Fluid bringing the musical atmosphere. MC Janee, Lady Wizards in the house. Performance by The Vibe featuring Paris Jane

Dress to impress. VIP Tables available RSVP (316) 927-0408

Velvet & Vye: A NYE Affair
2025-12-31 21:00 - 2026-01-01 01:00 | Vye Cocktail Lounge, 2018 Main Street, #Suite 101, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Get ready to sparkle and shine at Velvet & Vye: A NYE Affair – where glam meets good vibes in person!

Velvet & Vye: A NYE Affair
✨ Ring in the New Year at Vye Cocktail Lounge with a night draped in velvet vibes ✨ Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring a live DJ, signature cocktails crafted to perfection, and a sparkling champagne toast at midnight. 🍾🎶🍸
Dress to impress and step into luxe ambiance, sip on great drinks, and dance your way into 2026 surrounded by Kansas City’s best energy.

7th Annual New Years Eve Gala
2025-12-31 18:00 - 2026-01-01 01:00 | Stoney Creek Hotel Kansas City – Independence, 18011 Bass Pro Drive, Independence, MO, 64055, United States
We’ve got a early bird special on tickets & hotel rooms

Dirk Chaney Memorial Workshop & Concert
2025-12-29 19:00 - 2026-01-02 21:00 | St. Andrews Missionary Baptist Church, 3901 E. 25th Street North, Wichita, KS, 67220, United States
36th Annual Gospel Music Workshop for the entire community! December 29th – January 1st, nightly at 7pm. Concert is Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 7p – St. Andrews Missionary Baptist Church, 3901 E. 25th Street North, Wichita, KS 67220. Registration for the workshop is $25.00, but the concert is FREE!

THE ECHELON: An Evening of Art & Expression
2025-12-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Kansas
Spoken Word & Live Music🍸 Open Bar🍽 Full Food Menu👔 Dress Code Enforced🎟 Tickets: $30 on Eventbrite (Limited Seating)

This isn’t just a show — it’s an experience.Come network. Come vibe. Come indulge in expression.

🔗 Secure your seat now.📞 More info: 316-226-0079

Wellness Warrior x Vine Street Brewing: Pop-Up Series
2025-12-28 11:00 - 12:30 | Vine Street Brewing Co., 2010 Vine Street, #Building 2A, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Sweat, sip & strengthen! Join Wellness Warrior for a power workout, Cure Hydration samples, gift bags & $5 pours at Vine Street.

Holiday Light Tours
2025-12-27 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-27 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-26 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-26 18:00 - 19:00 | The Jewel Event Space, 410 Admiral Boulevard, Kansas City, MO, 64106, United States
Enjoy the festive lights while listening to holiday music on a 60 Minute light tour through Kansas City

The Elegant Affair 2
2025-12-27 19:00 - 23:59 | Holiday Inn East, 549 S Rock Rd, Wichita, KS, 67207
a signature upscale R&B and grown-folk celebration, bringing together professionals and tastemakers for an unforgettable night of sophistication, great music, and style. Guests enjoy live entertainment, a cash bar, fine appetizers, and premium vibes in a classy atmosphere. CALL OR TEXT

316-617-3251 @Followers @highlights

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY

Sean Tyler Ugly Christmas Sweater Party w/ guest Bobby Watson & Lisa Henry
2025-12-26 20:30 - 23:00 | Blue Room, 1600 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Join us at The Blue Room for The Sean Tyler Ugly Christmas Sweater Party featuring special guests Bobby Watson & Lisa Henry.

Indigo Hour: Lady D
2025-12-26 17:00 - 19:30 | Blue Room, 1600 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Lady D headlines Indigo Hour at the Blue Room, the signature happy hour event at the American Jazz Museum’s jazz club.

Start your weekend with Indigo Hour, the Blue Room’s signature happy hour event featuring free live jazz music and select deals on wine and well drinks!
Note: your Eventbrite ticket to Indigo Hour serves as pre-registration but does not guarantee a seat for the performance. Doors open at 5pm. Register and arrive early!

UMOJA: Come Celebrate Kwanzaa
2025-12-26 12:00 - 14:00 | The Center, 1914 E 11th St N, Wichita, KS, 67214, United States
Join the Wichita African American Council of Elders as we celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa.

2025 KUUMBA (Creativity) Salad: Elder provide the GREENS

You Bring Your Favorite Salad Ingredients & toppings to share.

Let’s create the BEST KUUMBA SALAD EVER!!!

Christmas Night Out with Steppers
2025-12-25 20:00 - 2025-12-26 01:00 | 6240 Raytown Trafficway, 6240 Raytown Trafficway, Raytown, MO, 64133, United States
A classy, grown & sexy Christmas night of smooth steppin’, great music, and good vibes. Let’s celebrate the holidays in rhythm and style!

Christmas Night Out with Steppers 🎄✨
Join us for a festive evening of dancing, laughter, and holiday cheer at our Christmas Night Out with Steppers! Get ready to groove to soulful sounds, connect with great people, and show off your smooth 2-step moves.
📍 Location: 6240 Raytown Trafficway🗓️ Date: December 25, 2025⏰ Time: 8:00PM to 1:00AM
Bring your friends, dress to impress, and let’s celebrate the season on the dance floor. Don’t miss this chance to step into the holidays with style and joy!

Christmas Eve at Unity Village Chapel: Night of Illumination
2025-12-24 17:00 - 18:00 | Unity Village, 1901 Northwest Blue Parkway, Unity Village, MO, 64065, United States
Christmas Eve Service at Unity Village

​​Join together for an evening of Christmas celebration, metaphysics and Divine illumination. Also enjoy sweet Christmas harmonies sung throughout the evening.​
Spread the good news and great cheer of Christmas Eve with Unity Village Chapel this year!

The Holiday Hub
2025-12-24 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-23 10:00 - 18:00 | Celebrations Event Center, 4620 E 13th, Wichita, KS, 67208, United States
Your go-to location for holiday business pick-ups! VENDOR OPTIONS:🎁 VENDOR PRESENT – $40 (both days) • Come & go anytime during event hours • All transactions must be completed with vendor present🎁 PICK-UP STATION – $75 (both days)• Vendor can be absent while customers pick up prepaid items • +$25 for refrigerated items • +$50 for sales transactions by Celebrations Event Center.

Perfect for: Bakers • Caterers • MLM Reps • Crafters

No need to have customers meet you in a sketchy parking lot! Meet at a safe, heated venue where customers can pick up their orders, browse other vendors, and complete their last-minute holiday goodies shopping with easy pick-up in one location!

📞 Contact Ashley to reduce your holiday stress! 316-494-0858Drop-off: 8:00 AM both days Final pick-up: All items must be claimed by 3:00 PM on December 24th, 2025Let The Holiday Hub be your one-stop drop-off solution!
