5 Wichita Organizations Supporting the Local Black Community (Where & How to Give)

It can be so overwhelming to know where to begin when it comes to best supporting the needs of our community. And specifically right now, as many of us are figuring out how to create meaningful change and support Black Lives, it is important we take some form of action. In addition to educating ourselves, teaching our children, checking in with our Black friends, signing petitions, and organizing or attending peaceful protests – donating to local organizations that support various initiatives for the Black community is a great place to start. Every little bit helps, and below are local organizations to consider in an effort to support our Black Community right now. 
 
The first two are local organizations Wichita Mom has personally worked with, and we are sharing others that have been recommended to us. We would love to hear of others – please feel free to share!

Rise Up for Youth 

With a vision to unlock the full potential of Wichita youth through education, empowerment, and mentorship – Wichita Mom provides a ringing endorsement and has made a donation to help support a cause we stand behind 100%. The impact RUFY had in 2019 speaks volumes as 327 students were served, 100% seniors graduated, zero students in the legal system, and zero teenage parents. We encourage you to learn more about Rise Up for Youth and its transformative impact on our community. 

Storytime Village

In an effort to instill the love of reading and literacy, Storytime Village provides literary resources and free books to underserved Kansas children. With a donation, you are providing children with access to books to help increase their reading achievement as well as providing their parents with developmental tools and resources. 

Wichita NAACP

The mission of the NAACP is to secure equality of rights, to eliminate race-based discriminiation, and to ensure the health and well being of all persons. Did you know African Americans have been disproportionately affected by the economic impact of Covid-19? Currently, the Wichita NAACP is partnering with Convoy of Hope to provide support and relief packages during this extremely difficult time.

Kansas African American Museum

With a vision to tell the story of Kansas African Americans, the Kansas African American Museum provides information and education for our community. They host Cultural Awareness Training for local groups to create dialogue and understanding around implicit bias, stereotypes, multiculturalism, and diversity.   

CORE: Community Operations Recovery Empowerment

CORE hosts a variety of programs and events to empower our community with a focus on five core areas: Civic Engagement, Community Service & Neighborhood Revitalization, Economic Development, Mentoring, and Prevention/Intervention within the legal system. Their programs include the CORE Gardens of Wichita, which provides free produce and teaches garden skills, Empower U Workshops, and Books & Breakfast (a bi-monthly event to build community). They also host the official Juneteenth celebration, a weeklong festival (virtual this year) commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.
 
At a time when so many are ready to step up and help but don’t know where to start, donations of any amount can make a world of difference. Please let us know if there are others you recommend.
Wichita Mom
Wichita Mom is the #1 parenting website and your local family guide to the best of Wichita! Providing relevant information and all things Wichita, we love to share about our favorite activities, local businesses, things to do, family fun, and helpful resources unique to Wichita Area parents and families.