Happy Monday, Kansas City!
We hope you enjoyed the weekend. Let’s start the week with new stories coming out of KC.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- The Voice celebrates 30 years of service
- KC Fringe Festival is back through July 27
- A nod to our founders, Billy and Wyvette McCray
- KC’s Manhattan Cleaners is still here
- A brand new bar & grill has arrived in downtown KC
💡 Black Trivia Question: Who founded Motown Records in Detroit, Michigan in 1959?
A. Berry Gordy B. Quincy Jones C. Otis Williams D. James Brown
*See the answer after “In Other News”*
🤩 Name in Lights: Many thanks to Harold Schlechtweg, one of our generous donors. Financial support from our readers underwrites the work we do and allows us to keep our news free. Will you support us?
30TH ANNIVERSARY
The Community Voice Celebrates 30 Years of Service to the Community
This year marks a powerful milestone in Black journalism across Kansas — 30 years since the founding of The Community Voice! Since our very first issue on April 5, 1995, we have remained true to our founders’ vision: to provide trusted, insightful, and culturally relevant journalism that uplifts and informs Black communities across Wichita, Kansas, and Kansas City.
ARTS & CULTURE
Black Creatives Set to Shine at KC Fringe Festival 2025
The KC Fringe Festival, the largest celebration of arts and culture in the Kansas City area, has returned for its 21st season now through July 27.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
We’re always looking for ways to improve, and your input matters. Could you please take 5 minutes to complete our survey? Your feedback will help us better serve you and our community of readers. Thank you in advance!
BUSINESS
KC’s Manhattan Cleaners: Historic Black-Business Not Done Yet
One of KC’s oldest continuously running Black-owned businesses almost closed in November, but customer and employee support encouraged the owner to push on, at least for now.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
We’ve created one place for you to see events happening around Wichita and the entire state. Check out The Link Up today, our new online calendar!
30TH ANNIVERSARY
A Legacy Rooted in Vision and Family
As we celebrate 30 years of service with The Community Voice, we recognize our founders, Billy and Wyvette McCray.
FOOD AND DRINK
Downtown Restaurant Fires Up Bar And Grill In Former KC Daiquiri Shop
AJ’s Bar & Grill is now open for the KC metro area! Get a peek at what’s on the menu.
Get Out This Week In Kansas City:
MIXER: Liberated Grounds Mix & Mingle. Join Liberated Grounds for an evening of powerful connections and life-altering conversations. (July 17, 5p.m.)
COMMUNITY: Prospect United: Community Cleanup & Unity Event. SouthPointe at 63rd and a powerful group of community partners are calling on residents, volunteers and advocates to come together for this community cleanup event. (July 19, 10a.m.)
HEALTH: Senior & Caregiver Wellness & Wealth Fair. Get ready to strut your stuff at the KC Street Fashion Show, where local fashionistas showcase their best looks on the runway! (July 19, 10a.m.)
ARTS: KC Street Fashion Show. Get ready to strut your stuff at the KC Street Fashion Show, where local fashionistas showcase their best looks on the runway! (July 19, 6p.m.)
See more Kansas City events on our new online calendar!
Texas floods latest: Death toll climbs to 132 as dozens rescued after new round of flash floods. Flood warnings remain in effect across the Hill Country on Monday as thunderstorms and heavy rain continue to batter the region. (The Independent)
Trump to supply missiles to Ukraine, gives Russia 50-day ultimatum. President Trump announced Monday that the U.S. will dramatically increase weapons supplies to European allies, with those countries then sending arms to Ukraine. (Axios)
Trivia Answer: A. Berry Gordy. Motown Records was founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959. Initially, the label was established as Tamla Records on January 12, 1959, with an $800 loan from his family. It was later incorporated as Motown Record Corporation on April 14, 1960.
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