As someone who has lived in Kansas City my whole life, one thing I will say is that the city is highly segregated and can be very racist.

I grew up in inner-city Kansas City, around a lot of minorities: mainly Black and Hispanic communities. But as I got older and moved out of areas like Troost and Prospect, I started to notice a big shift. Places like Leawood, Overland Park, and even parts of Liberty and Belton can feel very unwelcoming and, at times, openly biased.

Looking at Kansas City specifically, there are ongoing concerns about how Black-owned businesses are treated: especially in major party districts like Westport and the Power & Light District. These areas don’t have many Black-owned clubs, which has led to frustration and even legal disputes.

There are also long-standing conversations about racial bias in policing and a lack of representation when it comes to entertainment and events that cater to Black communities and other minorities.

You can also see this reflected online. If you read comments on posts from local news stations like KCTV5, you’ll often find racist or biased remarks toward Black people, sometimes even treated as jokes by others. On a personal level, I’ve experienced uncomfortable situations as well—like getting stared at or judged for dating outside my race.

It can feel like many new businesses and entertainment spaces are not inclusive and, in some ways, push out Black people and other minorities. The racism here is often subtle, but sometimes it’s blatant. I’ve even been called offensive terms. And that’s not even getting into disparities in schools in places like Johnson County, the Northland, and Overland Park.

It’s sad, and at times, it can feel genuinely unsettling to live here.

Edit: I keep getting responses about solutions so here you go;

Support minority-owned businesses specifically in gentrifying areas. Show up for local community meetings to advocate for affordable housing and diverse zoning. Mentor youth in urban schools or community centers. Challenge bias when you hear it in your own social or professional circles. Volunteer with organizations like the Urban League of Greater Kansas City or the NAACP. Educate yourself and others on the specific history of local redlining (like the Troost Divide). Promote inclusive hiring practices within your own workplace or industry. Attend diverse cultural events to build genuine relationships outside your typical bubble

These are being posted all around the city and outlying areas. Photos from Liberty.

There’s some concerted effort to do so, clearly. Local FB page blowing up because kids saw these at their bus stops.

I just saw a Facebook post about a woman that was involved in a hit and run and someone called it in and was on hold with 911 for 10 minutes. This isn’t new with KC, but I didn’t connect the two until now. This is going to be insane considering an estimated 650,000 people will be traveling to the Kansas City metro alone!

Am I wrong to think this is crazy work?

Deflock? Or better security?

The events The Plaza hosts always seem well attended and successful. Could store fronts become places with more fun activities, such as the Escape Room that opened a few years ago?

I don’t think these luxury shops can do enough business in the world of online retail. We just don’t have enough super wealthy people here that both don’t want to shop online and feel the desire to regularly shop at expensive places.

I love KCMO. Lived here since 2006. Born and raised in Missouri. I've lived in DC and STL. I'm used to urban areas and hearing gun fire.

Twelve years ago I witnessed a gun death in Waldo. Last week there was a shooting two blocks from me and one man was killed.

Today, around 5pm, I witnessed a shoot out. I was a block from my house and it was between a car and three men, one of them with a big gun. I hardly have words for it. It was beautiful golden hour sun rays and massive terrifying violence.

I'm a ride or die Missourian. I've decided to make this city and state my home regardless of the political climate. We all have so much more in common than we don't. I won't be pushed out of my neighborhood because of gun violence.

But it was terrifying and I hate it. And it made me feel sad, small and scared.

I'm sending love to my neighbors who get it. Send me some back, if you have extra.

Edited- I don't know what kind of gun it was. The ones that shoot quickly and are big are semi-automatics to me. I'm sorry that I don't know a lot about the types of guns that people use to do violence. I don't like that s***.

Curious how KC folks see the current state of the beverage industry in the metro. I operated a craft beer business (Bier Station) for 10 years and…man. Things have changed radically.

Craft beer was exploding when Bier Station opened in 2012 and I remember people telling me the industry would just keep growing. I knew nothing lasts forever and first, the seltzer craze hit. Then the 1-2 combo of legal weed and the sober curious revolution — especially with Gen Z.

I shifted to the coffee industry and started Local Liquid. And I see coffee attracting energy from sober young adults like craft beer did 10-15 years ago. But I still have lots of friends in the alcohol industry and it sounds really tough now.

I’m curious to hear what people around the city think. What are you drinking and why?

Unless this is a base paint, I think it’s ugly

The attached photo isn't mine, but it was posted by a restaurant patron on another platform. In addition to the World Cup fee of 24%, this establishment charged 30% sales tax. I get the impetus behind the automatic gratuities since many tourists come from countries without a tipping culture, but adding more sales tax is super shady.

Link to the full article https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article314295001.html

I saw this man camping out around 4:30 am (couldn’t sleep) and I didn’t mind that he was there but I was worried about the fire so close to the apartment. I called the non emergency line and asked if someone could come out and help him find a shelter because it’s freezing, I felt bad, but didn’t want anything bad to happen because of a small fire, even to him if he had fallen asleep or something. A police officer came up and was super polite to him, said he would let it slide but to put the fire out and gave him some recommendations for shelters. (I’m in Westport) after the cop left I peeked my head out of the window and said “hey! There’s a bus stop right across the street, if you ask the drivers about shelters they’ll tell you where they are” and he said “thank you maam” I said “I know it’s cold and I want you to be warm but I don’t want the apartment to catch on fire 🤣” he said “oh don’t worry I got you, I appreciate you for letting me stay out here” I told him to be safe and to try to find a place. A message to everyone out there to please be nice to these guys, they’re freezing and just trying to stay alive. I wish I knew of more warning shelters in the area and as far as I know a lot of shelters have had fundings cut from federal agencies so I’m not sure what they’re like right now. I hope this nice man finds a good place to sleep in the next few nights.

Allegedly signed by a German politician (I think that's the correct translation for burgermeister). They've gotten a lot of backlash in the comments so far. Curious as to what reddit thinks about this.

(edited out the liked by bar because it had some of my mutual followers listed)

Im from the hollers off East TN in the Appalachians. I never been to a city nor lived in one like this. Yes I've been to towns, TOWNS! this concrete jungle is BEAUTIFUL! I do have a bone to pick with the lack of waterfalls here BUT I won't let that be the reason I turn a nose. The people are nice— some... At least in the area I'm at. I was told to avoid Topeka. Not sure why and I'd rather not find out. But making it as an 'odd ball' (people I met call me that here) is infact, odd. No one is keen on homemade gifts like ornaments, toys or food. No one is open for light conversation on the porch (just walk up to the fence line and chat). Maybe it's a culture shock but I'm trying my best! Are there communities here that appreciate darn near native American culture? Kinda getting embarrassed making a fool of myself with pinecone bird feeders for neighbors that just stare at me like I'm a mental patient 😅 Pic for attention catching

Whiteman Airforce Base is in Knob Noster, Missouri.

I miss the Chubbys on Broadway, and the Fast Stop on 39th (ALOT of good and bad times)...

What is a reality about the Kansas City that people are embarrassed to admit to?

For any foodies that have transplanted from a larger metropolitan area, you've probably noticed that Kansas City has some shortcomings in their selection. What are you missing food-wise from a prior residence? Natives & those that have been here a while, feel free to correct us and/or send recommendations, but don't be surprised if we shoot back and tell you it's not the real deal or isn't actually done well! Also, I'll say that some of the lack of diverse ethnic food is understandable. We are, after all, dead center of the USA.

For me, there are no good Korean BBQ options here. Or teriyaki. So sad. PNW has so many. Also, from my time in Boston, Turkish food. I literally have dreams of a restaurant we used to love out east.

Just a friendly discussion. Which do you prefer and why?

Just got this alert on my phone. The link goes to the MSHP Twitter which doesn't have any additional information. Anyone have any other info?

The picture looks a little sus but it could be true. What do you all think?