The Community Voice

STRANGE Wid' It Tour 2026: TECH N9NE and E-40
2026-05-15 00:00 - 00:01 (America/Chicago) | MO
Out of the Midwest, Tech N9ne broke all of the rules, subverted expectations, dumbfounded the system, and set a precedent for hip-hop and independent music often imitated (but never duplicated) by generations to follow. At the helm of his own Strange Music proudly based in Kansas City, MO since 2000, he has personally notched four platinum singles, eleven gold singles, and two gold albums. As a whole, the Strange Music catalog also houses 23 RIAA gold and platinum records. The company’s Kansas City headquarters consists of six buildings: Strange Music (label offices), Strangeland (recording studios, soundstage), Strange World (merchandise manufacturing plant), Strange Box (vehicles), Strange Carwash, and Strange Works (construction company). Representing the underground, Tech is practically “a regular” on the Forbes “Cash Kings” list. Beyond gracing the cover of XXL and the stage of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he wound up on the playlist of none other than Sir Elton John and performing to 1 million-plus at the parade for the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory. He’s the only artist (on this planet) who has collaborated with Eminem, Tupac, Lil Wayne, and Kendrick Lamar as well as The Doors, Slipknot, System of a Down, Deftones, Jelly Roll, and MGK. He holds down the record for “most Top 10 albums on the Billboard Rap Chart” and staked a spot in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200 four times. On top of a thriving self-sufficient merchandising empire, he notably joined forces with Kansas City’s own Boulevard Brewery for his craft beer Bou Lou. After three decades in the game, the rapper landed “the biggest hit of his career” with 2021’s “Face Off” featuring Joey Cool, King Iso, and none other than megastar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. In unprecedented fashion, he ignited TikTok, generated a quarter-of-a-billion streams, and incited a frenzy from Variety, People, TMZ, NY Post, Today, and Entertainment Weekly. Tech N9ne continued his journey in 2023 with the acclaimed BLISS and more to come.

Earl “E-40” Stevens is a multiplatinum recording artist, actor, entrepreneur and New York Times best-selling author that hails from Vallejo, California. Over the course of his 30+ year career in the music industry, E-40 has firmly solidified his status as a living hip-hop legend, having released several multiplatinum and gold studio albums, mixtapes, collaborations and hit singles, including “U and Dat,” “Tell Me When To Go,” “Choices (Yup),” and “Function,” among countless others.

BLACK WALL STREET RALLY FRIDAY LINEUP
2026-05-15 17:00 - 23:00 | MO
Get ready for a FULL evening of music, energy, and culture in the heart of Greenwood!

BRANOOFUNK LIVE

Feel the rhythm with this electrifying DJ & drummer experience that will have the crowd moving from start to finish!

May 15

5:00 PM – 6:45 PM

MS. VAL & THE WISEMAN

Bringing powerful vocals, live instrumentation, and unforgettable vibes to close out the night!

May 15

7:00 PM

Greenwood & Archer Community Stage

Historic Black Wall Street – Tulsa, OK

Pull up early, stay late, and experience the sound, the culture, and the celebration of community.

www.blackwallstreetrally.com

WAM Nights: Robert Peterson in Conversation with Terrell Jones on The Prophet
2026-05-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
6 – 6:30 PM Cash bar
6:30 – 7:30 PM Program
Free | Open to the Public
Location: Wichita Art Museum Farha Great Hall

To celebrate WAM’s new acquisition The Prophet, we invite you to hear from Robert Peterson, the artist, and Terrell Jones, renowned stylist, fashion designer, and the subject of the painting.

Following the tour of the travelling exhibition Robert Peterson: Somewhere in America, organized by WAM, we are honored to spotlight Peterson’s The Prophet and welcome both the artist and Jones to Wichita. Peterson renders African American life beautifully and joyfully in his portraits, rejecting stereotypes to celebrate the “Black experience as [he] knows it.” Although his art represents his unique perspective, Peterson hopes that his paintings also connect across lines of class, gender, age, and race, encouraging all viewers to “see something of themselves” in the works, “their neighbor, their loved one, or somebody that they grew up idolizing.” Peterson tells deeply personal—yet widely recognizable—stories of family, community, and legacy.

About Robert Peterson

Currently living and working in Lawton, OK, Robert Peterson (b. 1981) is a self-taught artist specializing in figurative painting with a concentration on portraiture. Peterson picked up a paintbrush for the first time in 2012 to distract himself from an upcoming hip surgery. A little over a decade later, he is a rising star with paintings in major museums and prominent private collections throughout the country.

His spontaneous realist portraits are “[his] truth and [his] voice” and reflect “a softer side of black people often not portrayed in the media…something that [he wants] to see more of in galleries and museums.” In 2017, Peterson made history by becoming the first African American to be recognized as Southwest Oklahoma artist of the year. In 2024, Wichita Art Museum organized the largest exhibition of his work–a traveling solo show–Robert Peterson: Somewhere in America, with support of the National Endowment for the Arts.

About Terrell Jones
For nearly 20 years, Terrell Jones has combined his innate creativity, the style concepts he learned growing up in Harlem, NY, and the skills he’s picked up as a consummate student of his industry to enhance the images of some of the NBA’s and Hip-Hop’s favorite stars, including Fat Joe and DJ Khaled. Whether creating iconic looks for clients that have inspired a generation of fans, or crafting customized pieces that have drawn the attention of the biggest luxury fashion houses, Jones not only captures but also hones his clients’ brands and personalities. A creative in his own right, he advocates for the visibility of stylists of color in the fashion and entertainment industries. “What I’ve learned over the years is that it’s deeper than style,” he explains. “When they put these clothes on, yes, what’s happening is definitely in the clothes. But there’s also something that happens in the spirit.”

About WAM Nights: We’re open late on Fridays until 9 pm. Start your weekend with after-hours access to the galleries, shopping in the Museum Store, and a stop at EAT for dinner and specialty drinks. WAM Nights feature programs with artists, musicians, and performers, offering a dynamic way to experience the museum. The building comes to life with local creatives during WAM Nights—an energizing, creative start to your weekend. WAM Nights are generously supported by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

Heart of the Nation - Grand Opening at IKEA Merriam
2026-05-15 18:00 - 20:00 | IKEA, 6000 Ikea Way, Merriam, KS, 66202, United States
Join us for the celebration that brings cultural expression into the heart of the home, enriching everyday life through art and design.

Join us for Heart of the Nation, a powerful celebration of culture, creativity, and community at IKEA Merriam. In partnership with the African American Artist Institute, this collaboration brings cultural expression into the heart of the home, enriching everyday life through art and design.

Be part of an inspiring evening featuring live musical performances and the official ribbon cutting of our brand-new gallery space. Experience the work of featured artist Jeremy Bell, showcasing Heartland Rising: Golden Goal 2026, a tribute honoring Kansas City’s place on the world stage this summer.

This partnership launches May 15th, 2026, and continues through July, featuring three artist residency periods, each highlighting up to fourteen talented artists. Stay connected for more upcoming events as this creative journey unfolds with IKEA and the collective.

Mark your calendars now!

Come celebrate the art, the culture, and the spirit that makes a house truly feel like home

Awaken my identity Youth conference
2026-05-15 19:00 - 2026-05-17 16:30 | 9412 E Independence Ave, 9412 East Independence Avenue, Independence, MO, 64053, United States
ITS TIME!!!!!
Something is shifting in this generation.
God is calling young people out of hiding…

Celebrate Mother's Day with CLUE
2026-05-15 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-05-16 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-16 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-05-17 19:30 - 22:00 | Century II, 225 W Douglas, Wichita, Kansas
Treat your leading lady to murder, mystery and mayhem this Mother’s Day! Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, CLUE is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist. Secure your seats to unravel the mystery now!

Live Music Fridays
2026-05-15 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-22 20:00 - 23:00 | The Blakk Co., 1108 East 30th Street, #Suite BB, Kansas City, MO, 64109, United States
Enjoy an evening of live music featuring local artists on Fridays at Kansas City’s Premier Social Club located in Historic Wonder Building

All White Affair BYOB Starring Big Boogie
2026-05-15 21:00 - 2026-05-16 02:00 | 6240 Raytown Trafficway, 6240 Raytown Trafficway, Raytown, MO, 64133, United States
May15th In Kansas City Missouri M&E Entertainment & Come Up Season Presents The All White Affair Starring CMG Artist Big Boogie BYOB!!

Mentoring at Keystone CoLAB
2026-05-16 09:00 - 11:00 | 800 E 18th St, 800 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Operation Code KC weekly mentoring meeting

Introduction to Buying Your First Home Workshop
2026-05-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Urban League, 2418 E 9th, Wichita, KS, 67214
Ready to take the next step toward homeownership? Join us for an informative session designed to help first-time buyers navigate the process with confidence.

Click on the link to register: https://wkf.ms/3XBYqoN

4th Annual Mental Health Awareness Event
2026-05-16 11:30 - 14:00 | Bruce R Watkins Cultural Center, 3700 Blue Parkway, Kansas City, MO, 64130, United States
This year we will host a panel of experts and also offer breakout sessions. Our theme will be centered on coping with grief!

The Greater KC Black History Study Group "Making & Preserving History"
2026-05-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Black Archives Of Mid-America, 1722 East 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Monthly in person meeting with featured speakers, Ms. Cheryl Armstrong. She will share how an injustice perpetrated on a great uncle more than 150 years ago affected her family and a historic Indiana black settlement. She will also share about the diverse community coalition needed to erect and dedicate a historical marker and finally put this painful chapter to rest.

Ms. Sandra Lamb is a veteran early-childhood educator and co-founder of the Institute of Black Invention & Technology, Inc. She brings 40 plus years of teaching, leadership, and training experience.She also created workshops and a handbook on: “Incorporating Black Inventors into the Pre School curriculum. This presentation highlights Black men and women whose labor, skill, talent, and courage helped define western life.

Please RSVP to kcblackhistory2@gmail.com

Open to all community activists and GKCBHSG members.

KC Jazz Heritage Streetcar Experience: Cigars & Culture
2026-05-16 17:00 - 19:30 | 101 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., 101 Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard, Kansas City, MO, 64112, United States
Get ready for a great EXPERIENCE! Infusing the love of Jazz music & culture with the love cigars all while taking a streetcar tour!

Streetcar Stops and Time Allocations
Plaza Parking lot next to Winstead’s 101 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd Kansas City, Missouri 64112 Parking is available. Please arrive by 4:20pm and we will depart from there at
4:50pm

Tour stops:

Westport- 39th and Main 5:05-5:25

Liberty Memorial 5:30- 5:50pm

Union Station 5:55- 6:10

12th Street Phillips Hotel
P.S. Speakeasy
6:17- 7:05pm

7:10pm Departing Phillips Hotel

7:30-35pm Arrival back to the parking lot at Winstead’s on the Plaza

8pm -11pm Sherri’s Executive Lounge
3834 Genessee St. KC,Mo 64111

***Important information***
1. Please wear comfortable shoes due to some walking.
2. Don’t forget to bring your cigar accessories. If you don’t own Sherri’s will have for your usage.
3. Food establishments are in a 3 minute walking distance from Sherri’s. You can also Uber food as well.
4. Get ready for a great EXPERIENCE

Brims Cigars and Sundresses
2026-05-17 16:00 - 21:00 | The 1820 Gallery, 1820 McGee St, Kansas City, MO, 64105, United States
Wear your favorite Sundress and the coolest Brim and enjoy the Day Party of fun, great food, good music and lots of friends.

72nd Anniversary Brown v. Board
2026-05-17 17:00 - 20:30 | Townsite Plaza, 120 SE 6th St, Topeka, Kansas, 66603
The Brown v Board Anniversary Coalition is partnering with The Brown Foundation, to bring nationally renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump to Topeka, Kansas, this May for the 72nd anniversary commemoration of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.

Here’s more:

Also taking the stage will be Grammy Award-winning performance poet J. Ivy, the recipient of a Peabody Award and an NAACP Image Award.

According to organizers, Crump (who published his debut novel “Worse Than a Lie” this month) will deliver a keynote echoing the gravity of what it means to honor Brown today.

As the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence approaches this summer, Crump is expected to reflect on what it means to recommit to the country’s foundational promise of “liberty and justice for all.”

Storytime in the Park
2026-05-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Naftzger Park, 601 East Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS, 67202, United States
Read along with stories on the big screen at Naftzger Park and enjoy music, snacks, free books and an activity for the kids. Storytime in the Park is a partnership between Storytime Village and Wichita Park & Recreation.

WORK SHARE: SHARING WORK. CELEBRATING ARTISTS
2026-05-19 18:00 - 21:00 | MO
Please Join Us for Inspiring Stories from the NEW Artist INC Grads.

Free Alzheimer's educational conference for Wichita-area residents
2026-05-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita, 400 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS, 67202, United States
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will hold a free educational conference on Wednesday, May 20th at 10:00 am CST that will provide Wichita-area residents with information about Alzheimer’s disease, brain health, caregiving, support services and more.
A Q&A will follow each session in which attendees can ask the experts questions. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with one other. There will also be free memory screenings conducted throughout the day.
The free educational conference is open to everyone. For more information or to register, visit www.alzfdn.org/tour.

Downtown Wichita Yoga in the Park
2026-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square Park, 205 E. Douglas Ave., WICHITA, KS, 67202-3501, United States
Step away from the desk and into the park. A midweek rest has returned to the city’s core for Downtown Wichita’s Yoga in the Park. The rejuvenating, all-levels yoga session is designed to help you de-stress, stretch and reconnect with your community! Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or unrolling a mat for the first time, there’s a spot for you downtown.

When: Wednesdays, noon to 1 p.m., April 8 – May 27. Class begins promptly at 12:15 p.m.

Where: Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square Park, 205 E. Douglas Ave.

Cost: Free (Registration Required).

What to Bring: A yoga mat (or a beach towel), a water bottle and a smile.

Passport To International Fashion | Opening Night Gala
2026-05-20 18:00 - 21:30 | Zhou B Art Center Kansas City, 1801 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64127, United States
Kick off HIFW Season 6 with an unforgettable opening night celebrating global fashion, culture, and creative expression!

The journey begins.
Heartland International Fashion Week Season 6 opens with a dazzling kickoff gala celebrating the global language of fashion. Passport to International Fashion is an elegant, high-energy evening showcasing designers, models, and creative expressions from around the world—each collection telling a story rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and identity.
This opening night sets the tone for the entire week: bold silhouettes, rich textiles, dramatic entrances, and an atmosphere infused with global sophistication. Guests will experience a curated runway presentation alongside immersive visuals, music, and an elevated gala ambiance designed to transport you beyond borders.
Expect fashion that honors heritage while pushing creative boundaries—where every look feels like a destination, and every step down the runway stamps a passport of style.
✨ Perfect for:Fashion lovers, creatives, cultural tastemakers, sponsors, media, and VIP guests ready to experience fashion as a global movement.
DRESS CODE: Black Tie & Native Traditional Attire
Light Bites, Music, Entertainment and Celebration!

Heartland International Fashion Week Gives Back
At Heartland International Fashion Week, we believe in using fashion as a force for good. Each year, we select an organization to support, and for Season Six, we are proud to partner with CAMP CHOICE!
Heartland International Fashion Week is proud to continue our commitment to purpose beyond the runway. For Season 6, a portion of proceeds will benefit Camp CHOICE, a Kansas City-based organization dedicated to empowering youth through mentorship, leadership development, and life-changing opportunities. Your presence is more than a ticket—it is a direct investment into the next generation, helping young people discover their voice, their value, and their future. Together, we are creating impact, one experience at a time. Thank you for joining us in giving back!

McConnell Fun Day
2026-05-21 11:30 - 14:30 | MO
Get ready to refuel, recharge, and relax as we celebrate the start of summer with an afternoon full of fun at the Outdoor Pool!

Join us for: Live DJ – DJ Carbon Outdoor Pool Open Yard Games Food & Drinks (FREE lunch while supplies last!)

Bring your friends, your family, or come solo and enjoy a laid-back summer kickoff with great music, cool vibes, and good company.

Genesis: Creative, Story Telling & Bold Beginnings – Thursday Night Theme
2026-05-21 18:00 - 21:30 | Zhou B Art Center Kansas City, 1801 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64127, United States
Thursday Night Runway Showcase

Every movement has a beginning.
Genesis is a cinematic runway experience marking the birth of bold ideas, visionary storytelling, and fearless creativity. This night is dedicated to designers who are redefining fashion—introducing new narratives, experimental silhouettes, and collections that challenge the expected.
From dramatic lighting to emotionally charged runway moments, Genesis is not just a show—it is an artistic statement. Each designer presents work that reflects rebirth, transformation, and the courage to create something entirely new.
This is where fashion becomes art.Where stories unfold stitch by stitch.Where the future of style begins.
✨ Perfect for:Creative professionals, fashion editors, stylists, photographers, designers, and guests who appreciate fashion as storytelling and innovation.
VIP ACCESS AT 5:00PM | GA ACCESS AT 6:00PM | SHOW STARTS AT 7:00PM

Heartland International Fashion Week Gives Back
At Heartland International Fashion Week, we believe in using fashion as a force for good. Each year, we select an organization to support, and for Season Six, we are proud to partner with CAMP CHOICE!
Heartland International Fashion Week is proud to continue our commitment to purpose beyond the runway. For Season 6, a portion of proceeds will benefit Camp CHOICE, a Kansas City-based organization dedicated to empowering youth through mentorship, leadership development, and life-changing opportunities. Your presence is more than a ticket—it is a direct investment into the next generation, helping young people discover their voice, their value, and their future. Together, we are creating impact, one experience at a time. Thank you for joining us in giving back!

Simply Poetry ft Glenjamin the Great (Oklahoma City, OK)
2026-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Simply Sangria, 243 North Cleveland, Wichita, KS, 67214, United States
Join us in Wichita, KS for Simply Poetry ft Glenjamin the Great (Oklahoma City, OK) — vibes, verses, and live flow you don’t wanna miss!

Simply Poetry ft Glenjamin the Great (Oklahoma City, OK)
Get ready for a night full of words and vibes at Simply Poetry featuring the amazing Glenjamin the Great! If you’re in Wichita, KS, come through for some authentic, heartfelt performances. This one’s in person, so bring your energy and love for poetry. Whether you’re a fan or just curious, it’s gonna be a chill, inspiring evening you won’t wanna miss!
Featuring the award winning wines and vibes of Simply Sangria!

Breakfast with Inspiration: You Were Made for This!
2026-05-22 08:30 - 10:00 | JE Dunn Construction, 1001 Locust Street, Kansas City, MO, 64106, United States
Elevated KC leadership experience with Dr. Burns-Wallace. Insight, connection, and purpose-driven growth.

Breakfast with Inspiration: You Were Made for This!

Step into the room, your next level of leadership requires.
On May 22, 2026, LIA Inspiration invites you to an elevated leadership experience in Kansas City, designed for professionals ready to lead with greater clarity, courage, and purpose.
Breakfast with Inspiration: You Were Made for This is an intimate, high-impact gathering of established and emerging leaders from across Kansas City.
This is not just another networking event. This is a curated leadership experience designed to challenge how you think, lead, and show up.

Featured Experience
The morning will feature a powerful fireside conversation with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, author of Made for This: Lessons in Leadership, Legacy, and Living Unapologetically, exploring:

Identity and leadership
Courage in high-stakes decision making
Building a leadership legacy that lasts

Why Attend? What You’ll Walk Away With
This experience is intentionally designed for leaders who want more than inspiration. You will leave with:

Real-world leadership insights grounded in executive-level decision making
Clarity on your leadership identity and how it shapes your impact
Dedicated space to reflect on your purpose, direction, and next chapter
Meaningful connections with a curated, values-aligned leadership network
A signed copy of Made for This: Lessons in Leadership, Legacy, and Living Unapologetically to continue your growth beyond the room
A professionally designed, high-caliber experience that blends inspiration with actionable takeaways

About LIA Inspiration
LIA Inspiration is a Kansas City–based leadership and strategy firm partnering with organizations and leaders to move bold ideas from purpose to execution. Through strategic advisory work and curated gatherings, we build rooms where leadership grows, and meaningful impact accelerates.

The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a typical event, this is not it.
If you are looking for a room that will challenge you, sharpen you, and remind you exactly what you are capable of—this is where you need to be.
You were made for this. Now step into it.

Power & Precision: Celebrating The Art Of Men's Designs
2026-05-22 18:00 - 21:30 | Zhou B Art Center Kansas City, 1801 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64127, United States
HIFW Friday Night Showcase ‘Glam Meets The Classic Man’

FRIDAY NIGHT HEADLINER: THE RELEASE OF ADEYEMI ROYALABEL OPENING SHOWCASE
Fashion & Sports Night! Elevate your athleisure game with high-fashion athleticism at “The Sport Luxe” runway night! This show fuses sportswear with luxury fashion, bringing sleek, performance-inspired couture to the stage. Featuring cutting-edge gentlemen’s fashion and dynamic, street-meets-runway designs, this is a night dedicated to bold, confident, and effortlessly stylish looks. From After-5 to the golf course!
VIP ACCESS AT 5:00PM | GA ACCESS AT 6:00PM | SHOW STARTS AT 7:00PM

Heartland International Fashion Week Gives Back
At Heartland International Fashion Week, we believe in using fashion as a force for good. Each year, we select an organization to support, and for Season Six, we are proud to partner with CAMP CHOICE!
Heartland International Fashion Week is proud to continue our commitment to purpose beyond the runway. For Season 6, a portion of proceeds will benefit Camp CHOICE, a Kansas City-based organization dedicated to empowering youth through mentorship, leadership development, and life-changing opportunities. Your presence is more than a ticket—it is a direct investment into the next generation, helping young people discover their voice, their value, and their future. Together, we are creating impact, one experience at a time. Thank you for joining us in giving back!

Afro Beats Night at Echelon
2026-05-22 21:30 - 2026-05-23 02:00 | 1025 E 75th St, 1025 East 75th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64131, United States
Afro Beats Night at Echelon May 22 | Doors 9:30PM | VIP Playground vibes, music, and exclusivity all night.

Step into the vibe at Echelon’s VIP Playground for Afro Beats Night on May 22nd. Doors open at 9:30PM for a high-energy night of Afrobeat sounds, elevated ambiance, and curated vibes.
This is where exclusivity meets energy—perfect for those looking to unwind, connect, and experience a premium nightlife setting. Expect great music, stylish crowds, and an atmosphere designed for a true VIP experience.
Secure your tickets in advance or pay at the door. For sections or more info, contact 816-226-8653.
