We here at Field have partnered with a coalition of black businesses and organizers to help promote systemic change in our community. Throughout today, we will be broadcasting #GiveBlackDay videos and other information produced by our partners. To find out more, here is a statement from Brandon Calloway:

Over the past few months, there has been an ongoing conversation about systemic racism in America. Since the murder of George Floyd, Brionna Taylor and the murder of Ahmad Aubrey which all came to light in May, more and more people are talking about the existence of systemic racism and anti-darkness in America. That led us to another time trying to figure out what exactly to do about it.

Much has been said about how this moment is different. On how people first become aware of the deep-rooted systemic racism in our country. On how we can no longer ignore the clear and present evil before us that is racism. This speech was intended for whites, because none of this is new to people of color, especially blacks. Blacks do not have the luxury of ignoring racism. It’s hard to ignore when you constantly come across retailers suggesting that you might not be able to afford something because you are black. When your friend from high school tells you he’s not allowed to come to your house because you’re black. When you are constantly being stopped by the police, just so they can check if you have an arrest warrant. This moment may be new, but the problem is not.

However, since we are having this conversation right now, it is important that we do not get lost in the national discussion on abstract issues. Kansas City has a long and clear racist history that has created a system of self-sustaining racism in which all of its residents participate. That’s not to say the people of Kansas City are bad. This means that the practices of redlining and other racist policies in Kansas City have been so effective in creating a community of racial segregation, that we are still feeling the effects of this intentional segregation almost 100 years later, that we are actively participating in it. or not.

He created a Kansas City where the richest neighborhoods are predominantly white and our poorest neighborhoods are predominantly black. This was done intentionally, and when these practices ended, nothing was done to make up for the decades of disadvantage suffered by the black community. That is why we are still feeling the effects today.

The median income of black households is only 54% of the median income of white households, and the percentage of black households in poverty (24.67%) is significantly higher than the percentage of white households in poverty. (7.97%). Kansas City public schools remain highly segregated. Only 10% of students are white and the black / white achievement gap persists. The average ACT score for black students is 14.4 compared to 22.8 for white students. Banks are twice as likely to give business loans to white applicants as compared to black applicants, and three times more likely to have follow-up meetings with white applicants than more qualified black applicants (a 2017 study by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition). Lenders are turning down mortgages to black applicants at a rate 80% higher than white applicants, according to an analysis of the most recent data from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act.

I think it’s clear that if we don’t take direct action, we can only see these intentional racial disparities continue to persist. Give Black KC is that action. It’s a plan that puts the power in the hands of black-led nonprofits that focus on bringing about systemic change in the black community.

Give Black KC is a unique day where Generating Income For Tomorrow, the Urban League of Greater Kansas City and The Greenline Initiative came together for this collective fundraiser with the goal of raising $ 600,000. A donation to Give Black KC will be used to increase access to higher education, increase the expansion of black-owned businesses and increase the development of affordable and quality property, all in the urban core of our city, where black poverty is most concentrated.

By expanding black-owned businesses in the urban core of Kansas City, we create jobs for urban core residents, we create black wealth, and we increase black participation in the means of production of our economy. Homeownership is one of the major generators of wealth in America, so increasing quality and affordable homeownership in the urban core further builds black wealth. Access to quality higher education has also been shown to be one of the many stepping stones out of poverty.

By combining all these methods, we create a new system that serves to replace the old system, put in place 100 years ago. This system is intentionally anti-racist and will serve as the basis for other measures to combat racial equity.

So, after many months of civil unrest, peaceful protests, corporate statements and global conversations about the existence of systemic racism, now is the time to act. Give Black KC is the next step in this movement locally. It is out of time to take the necessary steps to create transformational change in the urban core of our city. Be part of the change. Be part of this system.

Donate today to Giveblackkc.org or by texting GiveBlackKC at 44-321