Racial Equity Collaborative

10/12/2026

Today we honor the rich cultures, histories, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

May we move beyond recognition and commit to learning, listening and honoring Indigenous communities-not just today, but every day. ❤

10/08/2026

As we're jumping into the fall season, be sure to mark your calendars🥳

Join us for our monthly RED Dashboard trainings- making data equity available for all!

Save the date for times and dates ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​below and join us via Zoom.

RSVP HERE: https://lnkd.in/gzzY-AZ7

Friday, October 9th at 10am
Friday, November 13th at 10am
Friday, December 11th at 10am

09/19/2026

National Kinship Care Month is observed every September to honor grandparents, relatives, and close family friends who raise children when parents cannot.

The REC was pleased to facilitate an Interactive Theater training at Cornerstones of Care.

The day included an interactive discussion on the Human Need for Belonging video sponsored by KinVest & KU School of Social Work and recorded by Dr. Amelia Frank Meyer, learning by doing- an interactive theater experience regarding kinship care, and a legal refresher on constitutional rights and requirements in federal law.

But don't take our word for it...take a look at what participants had to say 👀

09/16/2026

Celebrating the life and legacy of Broderick Crawford was a beautiful gathering at the BLOCK event! ❤

It was like walking up and down the block seeing old friends and warm smiles- all while connecting with the community and advancing health.

09/12/2026

A big thank you to The Walker Foundation for featuring Racial Equity Collaborative as one of the Community Impact Leaders ❤

We are honored to support youth loving their hair no matter how it grows out of their head! What an amazing time!

09/02/2026

Check out this important community event!

The 4th Annual B.L.O.C.K. Party & Wellness Fair, honoring the life and legacy of Broderick Crawford, a founding community advocate, hosted by KU Center for African American Health.

This FREE, family-friendly event is an opportunity to come together, celebrate community, and prioritize our health and wellness. There will be free health screenings, valuable resources, a Data Walk, complimentary food trucks, family activities, a live DJ, entertainment, and more!

📅 September 9, 2026 | 5–8 PM
📍 Sporting KC Sporting Plaza
1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS

🎟️ Registration is required to attend!
Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit: https://web.cvent.com/event/023d22b2-043b-4ca5-b626-d7277de17122/register

08/25/2026

🍎🥖 FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN KCK! 🥕🍗

Harvesters Food Distribution takes place every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Franklin Center in Kansas City, KS.

🗓️ Every 2nd Wednesday of the month
⏰ Distribution begins at 2:00 PM
🚗 Drive-thru distribution — food will be loaded directly into your vehicle!

Food items vary each month but may include: Fresh produce,bread & bakery products, protein and other grocery items!

A few things to know:
➡️ Many families begin arriving around 1:00 PM to get a spot in line. The parking lot can fill up quickly.
➡️ If the lot is full, numbers are handed out with a return time, so you can still receive food without having to wait in the parking lot.
➡️ Distribution typically ends around 3:30 PM.
➡️ There is a sign-in process, but this is solely for Harvesters’ data collection.
➡️ There are no eligibility requirements or limits on who can receive food. ❤️

Please share this post with anyone who may benefit from free food assistance! 🫶🏽

08/14/2026

The REC was pleased to share the interactive theater with the SOUL Family Convening participants last week in D.C. 9 states gathered to explore, expound, or continue executing SOUL as a permanency option for older youth in foster care.

We all heard the origin story of SOUL Family from those in the room and I'm not sure if they realized what they were envisioning and the impact it would have on so many people years later.

The Racial Equity Collaborative had the opportunity to present at the convening and share interactive theater. The interactive theater is "learning by doing" strategy organization can use to have nuanced and difficult discussions. SOUL Family was created for young people by young people with the support of professionals in the field and Kansas was the first state to pass this legislation. We believe SOUL Family has the opportunity to serve older youth well and reduce the aging out gap we see in nationwide data.

07/28/2026

The Wyandotte County Back to School & Health Fair is this weekend 🥳

Free supplies, sports physicals, hair cuts, family fun and more !!

Check out the website to learn more:

https://kcksfoundation.org/events/back-to-school-fair.html

07/17/2026

Let's support The Walker Foundation for the 4th Annual HAIRitage Day – Walk of Confidence Fashion Show & Community Celebration!
This is more than an event—it’s a movement of confidence, culture, and community.
🎟️ Every ticket purchased helps provide hair care services, support, and confidence-building experiences for children on our waiting list, ensuring more kids receive the care they need and deserve.
✨ What to expect: 👑 Walk of Confidence Fashion Show
🎤 Special guest appearances
🛍️ Vendors & shopping
💇 Hair & wellness experiences
🎉 Live entertainment for the whole family
❤️ Your support helps children feel seen, valued, and confident in who they are.

🎟️ Tickets Start at Just $10!

One ticket can make a lifetime of difference for a child.

At HAIRitage Day, a child will walk across the stage with confidence, courage, and pride. Imagine what it means for them to look into the audience and see a room full of people cheering them on. Your presence reminds them that they are seen, valued, and supported by their community.

We're asking everyone to purchase a ticket and invite your family, friends, coworkers, or church to join you. Together, let's fill every seat and create an unforgettable experience for our children.

💛 Can't attend? Sponsor a child so they can experience HAIRitage Day at no cost.

🎟️ Tickets start at just $10! Purchase your tickets today:

https://hairitageday.org/tickets/

Together, we can show every child that they never walk alone.