Discover the impact of the Black Economic Union on empowering the Black community and breaking down economic inequality.
A nonprofit supporting black owned businesses and community development in Kansas City since 1968.
Our Mission
The mission of the Black Economic Union of Greater Kansas City is to enhance the quality of life of African American citizens by promoting economic, social, and physical redevelopment and revitalization of communities within Greater Kansas City.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVEMENTS
The Black Economic Union has established a small business training and educational incubator program. In order to combat the unemployment and economic instability of the neighborhood, the the incubator program provides assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs through the use of educational courses, mentorships, networking, and referrals to funding resources.
Strategically The Black Economic Union creates long-term viable assets as a testament to our commitment to urban core economic develpment. The organization completed an overall Economic Development Plan which resulted in the designation as a Special Impact Area for Kansas City, Missouri’s urban core.
The Black Economic Union acts as a catalyst to attract and direct public and private resources to assist and stimulate other community-based businesses and organizations towards urban core revitalization.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Black Economic Union Youth Ambassadors
In the Fall and Winter of 2019, our B.E.U. Youth Ambassadors were coached by community stakeholders in financial literacy, including banking, investing, credit and budgeting skills. This period of coaching culminated in a game of Jeopardy, at the Black Archives Museum in the historic 18th & Vine District, where competitors demonstrated their knowledge of personal finance and earned scholarship prizes. (Check out Mr. Vercie Lark’s article about the event by clicking the “Learn More” button. .
Health Equity and Policy Internship
In the Summer of 2020, our B.E.U. Youth Ambassadors enrolled in a college-level qualitative research course and designed community-based research projects. Given the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the African American community, they explored the utilization of COVID-19 preventative measures by the African American community.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Revitalizing A Community through Housing and Commercial Development
Housing and commercial development has been a compelling community rebuilding instrument for The Black Economic Union. Over 567 units of Affordable Housing has stabalized the community, with another 60 elderly units. The Black Economic Union has accomplished the following:
- 229 units of elderly housing located at Sycamore Groves Apartment Complex, Centennial Villas, Wheatly House, Martin Luther King Village, and Stonegate Meadows.
- 88 units of multi- family housing at Basie Court Apartments.
- 35 single family homes located within Renaissance Cove subdivision.
- 60 loft apartments located at Vine Street Lofts.
- 38 single family homes located in Monarch Manor subdivision.
- 42,000 square feet of commercial office space in Heritage Business Park I and II
- 30,000 square feet of office space in the Historic Lincoln Building.
- 100,000 square feet of retail space at the Mill Street Plaza; along with 60,000 square feet of grocery store.
- 300,000 square feet shopping center located at 31st and Main with national retail tenants.
- 99,000 square feet located at the Metro Plaza Shopping Center.
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