Minority-Led Stories

Advocates push Latino entrepreneurs to urgent action in the face of ‘innovation churn,’ civil rights challenges

Latino entrepreneurs are a powerful force in America’s economy, leaders emphasized Thursday from the UnidosUS stage, but systemic barriers continue to keep many from achieving financial freedom, they lamented. “Our superpower is an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Ruby Azurdia-Lee, president and CEO of Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES), speaking during the UnidosUS Annual Conference’s closing…

How these KC pitmasters are smoking barbecue’s gender stereotypes

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. Veronica Scroggins of Scott’s Kitchen is the latest on a short list of…

EDCKC touts leaders building Kansas City’s workforce of tomorrow

Across the country, cities are competing not only for jobs, but for people. In Kansas City, the future of economic growth depends on how well we prepare our residents to thrive in a rapidly evolving labor market. Workforce development isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the engine behind community resilience, economic mobility, and shared prosperity. At the center of…

Café Corazón sold KC on her alfajores and empanadas; now meet the Argentine chef behind these legendary, handcrafted treats 

In a space that serves as a crossroads of identities, trays of Silvia Miguel’s now-iconic savory and sweet dishes find a welcome home alongside bold pieces of art, sips of coffee and wares from a vibrant community of Latin and Indigenous entrepreneurs. Miel Castagna-Herrera, co-founder of Café Corazón, started carrying Miguel’s Pan Caliente products soon…

Sacred sips: Alcohol-free bar on 39th Street creates healing space where ‘every drink is medicine’

Editor’s note: The following story was published by The Kansas City Defender, a nonprofit Black newsroom producing news, mutual aid and digital tools to keep Kansas City’s Black community informed and organized. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for The Kansas City Defender’s email newsletter. In a neighborhood built to keep them…