Race Project KC is Evolving into Raise Up KC!
A decade of Race Project KC. The next chapter is here.
To those who have been part of this work, you already know what it has meant. What started as a single conversation back in 2015 has grown into a movement. Today, we are taking the next step forward. Race Project KC is evolving to Raise Up KC, an independent nonprofit built to carry this work even further, reach more people, and plant deeper roots across Kansas City. Race Project KC is our founding program, and Raise Up KC is the organization we built around it.
To those who have been part of this work, you already know what it has meant. What started as a single conversation back in 2015 has grown into a movement. Today, we are taking the next step forward. Race Project KC is evolving to Raise Up KC, an independent nonprofit built to carry this work even further, reach more people, and plant deeper roots across Kansas City. Race Project KC is our founding program, and Raise Up KC is the organization we built around it.
Our Evolution
Race Project KC was founded within the Johnson County Library in 2015, sparked by author Tanner Colby's visit and his book Some of My Best Friends Are Black. Kansas Citians wanted deeper clarity about the history of redlining and racial covenants that shaped this city, and young people needed space to explore race, location, and history within their own community.
After more than a decade of work, through student workshops and symposiums, educator summits, community conversations, and local partnerships, the work has grown into something bigger than any one program could hold. Raise Up KC is the new nonprofit that brings three programs under one umbrella.
After more than a decade of work, through student workshops and symposiums, educator summits, community conversations, and local partnerships, the work has grown into something bigger than any one program could hold. Raise Up KC is the new nonprofit that brings three programs under one umbrella.
Three Programs, One Mission
Raise Up KC empowers students, communities, and educators to dismantle systemic racial barriers and drive equity through innovative education, historical exploration, and meaningful dialogue through our three programs:
- Race Project KC: High school students and educators exploring race, history, and location
- Rise Up Leaders: A civic pipeline for emerging leaders beyond high school
- Raise Up Community: Public engagement for all Kansas City community members
What Stays The Same, What Changes?
Stays the same:
- Our mission
- Race Project KC as a program
- Johnson County Library is still a partner
- The schools we serve
- Legal structure: Independent nonprofit
- Umbrella brand: Raise Up KC and new URL: RaiseUpKC.org
- Three programs under one roof
- Board governance
Frequently Asked Questions
Why now?
After more than a decade of growth, the work has outgrown what a single high school program at a library can hold. We've been quietly working toward this for a while.
What happens to Race Project KC?
Race Project KC isn't going anywhere. Same work and same name. It stands as the anchor program inside Raise Up KC, alongside two new programs: Rise Up Leaders and Raise Up Community. If you've known us as Race Project KC, that name and that work continue. The umbrella organization is now Raise Up KC.
Will this affect existing partnerships?
Existing partnerships continue. The new structure makes it easier to deepen and expand them. We'll be reaching out to each partner directly.
Why "Raise Up KC"?
The name carries our call to action: raise your hand, raise up your community, raise up the conversations Kansas City needs. The three hands in our logo represent the evolution from one program to three.
After more than a decade of growth, the work has outgrown what a single high school program at a library can hold. We've been quietly working toward this for a while.
What happens to Race Project KC?
Race Project KC isn't going anywhere. Same work and same name. It stands as the anchor program inside Raise Up KC, alongside two new programs: Rise Up Leaders and Raise Up Community. If you've known us as Race Project KC, that name and that work continue. The umbrella organization is now Raise Up KC.
Will this affect existing partnerships?
Existing partnerships continue. The new structure makes it easier to deepen and expand them. We'll be reaching out to each partner directly.
Why "Raise Up KC"?
The name carries our call to action: raise your hand, raise up your community, raise up the conversations Kansas City needs. The three hands in our logo represent the evolution from one program to three.
Stay in the Loop
Be among the first to hear updates as we grow into Raise Up KC.
Contact us at: [email protected]
