Good morning, Kansas City!
Happy Monday, we hope you enjoyed the weekend. Let’s start the week with new stories coming out of KC.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Rep. Cleaver II is taking a stance with colleagues on civil rights
- A Black farmer’s market in KC has lost funding due to federal orders
- KC’s G.I.F.T. has launched “Savor the Flavor”, a passport encouraging support for Black-owned restaurants
- Recap on WYCO’s Black History celebration
💡 Black Trivia Question: Who is the first and only Black actor to receive two Oscar nominations in the same year?
A. Jamie Foxx B. Viola Davis C. Denzel Washington D. Whoopi Goldberg
*See the answer after “In Other News”*
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KANSAS CITY NEWS
Cleaver Joins Push for Stronger Civil Rights Protections
U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO) is taking aim at conservative court rulings that he says have weakened civil rights protections. Cleaver joined colleagues this month to introduce the Justice For All Act of 2025, legislation that would give new legal tools to fight discrimination in housing, employment, education and beyond.
Learn how this can make a difference
BUSINESS
Trump’s DEI Ban Strips Funding from KC Farmers Market
The Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council recently learned its three-year, $165,000 Farmer’s Market Promotion Program award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture had been canceled because of President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting DEI — a strategy the White House says protects Civil Rights and merit-based opportunities in the face of “illegal DEI.”
A MESSAGE FROM THE KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
‘Black-owned Dining Passport’ Launches in Response To Trump’s Attacks On Diversity
A new effort encouraging support for local Black-owned businesses — many in Kansas City’s historically redlined neighborhoods — is underway. Kansas City G.I.F.T. launched the first edition of its “Savor The Flavor” Black-Owned Dining Passport, which features 13 restaurants. Diners can use the passports to read recommendations, access menus, and rate each restaurant.
See which restaurants made the passport list
WYANDOTTE NEWS
WYCO Holds 33rd Annual Black History Celebration
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County, in conjunction with their Black History Committee, held their 33rd annual Black History and Scholarship Luncheon at Memorial Hall in downtown Kansas City, KS.
Tap to see photos from the event!
Kansas Has a Housing Shortage. One Legislator Suggests Prison Labor as a Solution. The bill would focus on areas with “minimal building activity.” (The Voice)
US tariffs on Canada and Mexico expected to happen Tuesday, says commerce chief. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs in response to what he says is an unacceptable flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the US. (BBC)
Paul Tazewell makes history as 1st Black man to win the Oscar for best costume design. The “Wicked” costume designer received a standing ovation for this historic moment. (ABC)
Trivia Answer: A. Jamie Foxx. In 2004, Foxx earned a Best Actor nomination and WIN for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the movie Ray. He also received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for the film Collateral the same year.
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