A New Chapter Built on a Decade of Impact
After more than a decade, the work grew into something bigger than any one program could hold. Raise Up KC is the expansion of Race Project KC, originally launched by the Johnson County Library and local educators. We are a racial equity nonprofit that bridges divides by connecting students, community members, and educators to explore local history and transform awareness of racial systemic inequities into action.
Historically, Race Project KC has been an educational program bringing together high school students from across Kansas City's school boundaries to explore the historical roots of racial division, engage in authentic conversations that transcend difference, and collaborate on solutions that create lasting change. Race Project KC now lives under one umbrella organization alongside two new programs. What began as a single conversation has grown into a broader mission.
Historically, Race Project KC has been an educational program bringing together high school students from across Kansas City's school boundaries to explore the historical roots of racial division, engage in authentic conversations that transcend difference, and collaborate on solutions that create lasting change. Race Project KC now lives under one umbrella organization alongside two new programs. What began as a single conversation has grown into a broader mission.
Our Mission
Raise Up KC empowers students, communities, and educators to dismantle systemic racial barriers and drive equity through innovative education, historical exploration, storytelling and dialogue, and building connections that foster change.
Our Why
Kansas City's dividing lines didn't happen by accident. Redlining, racial covenants, and decades of deliberate policy created the segregated city we live in today and left behind wealth gaps, opportunity gaps, and community gaps that persist right now. We believe those lines can be bridged, but only by people who understand them. By connecting students, community members, and educators across racial divides, we transform awareness into action: one student, one story, one city at a time
Our Programs
Raise Up KC brings three interconnected programs under one roof, each reaching a different audience, all working toward the same mission.
- Race Project KC - High school students and educators exploring race, history, and location through the Dividing Lines Tour, student workshops, and educator summits.
- Rise Up Leaders - For emerging leaders beyond high school, building the next generation of advocates, organizers, and community builders.
- Raise Up Community - Public engagement programming for all Kansas City community members who want to understand the city they live in and help shape what comes next.
Our Impact
Be Part of What Comes Next
The work of the last decade has made this moment possible. What comes next depends on the people willing to invest in it.
