Kansas City G.I.F.T.

KC GIFT launches ‘Vibe the City’ passport to showcase Black-owned arts, entertainment venues

A newly published mini-guide to Black-owned arts and entertainment venues across Kansas City is expected to push community members deeper into the metro’s rich Black business ecosystem, said Brandon Calloway, highlighting a range of cultural and nightlife destinations.   “Vibe the City” passports are available now at the G.I.F.T. Business Center at 5008 Prospect Ave.,…

‘Troost is not scary’: Kansas City equity walk highlights Black business revival

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by The Beacon, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story from The Beacon, an online news outlet focused on local, in-depth journalism in the public interest….

KC GIFT’s $100K grant — its largest-ever — aims to help boost Black-owned job creator

A newly opened $100,000 grant represents a significant step in Kansas City GIFT’s mission to close the racial wealth gap — investing in Black-owned businesses that have the potential to become significant employers and economic drivers in their communities, said Brandon Calloway. “We exist to right the wrongs of the past and create the economic…

‘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 a timely reminder of the purchasing power in each diner’s hands, said Brandon Calloway. Kansas City G.I.F.T. on Friday launched the first edition of its “Savor The Flavor” Black-Owned Dining Passport, which features 13 restaurants. Diners…

Herbalist’s new shop on The Paseo deepens access to natural flavors in east side food desert

Potential customers who were once hesitant to try Rosierra “Rosie” Warren’s sweet Fruity Tutti Tea got free samples of the brew; now it’s one of her bestsellers at Nature Made Me, an apothecary and teahouse on The Paseo. More spicy flavors, like the Golden Milk tea (spiced chai with turmeric, ginger and black pepper), also…