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New passport to take community members on tour of Black-owned Arts, Entertainment venues

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 18:26 GMT by KCTV News
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Kansas City’s New “Passport” Initiative Lets Residents Explore Black‑Owned Arts and Entertainment Hubs

By [Your Name]
Kansas City, KS – September 17, 2025

In an effort to celebrate and revitalize the city’s vibrant black arts scene, the Kansas City Arts Council (KCAC) and the nonprofit organization Black Voices, Black Visions (BVBV) have launched a novel “passport” program that invites community members to experience a curated tour of the city’s most influential black‑owned arts and entertainment venues. The initiative, unveiled by local news outlet KCTV5 on September 17, was designed to foster cultural pride, stimulate economic growth, and bridge the divide between the city’s historic neighborhoods and its modern downtown core.

How the Passport Works

The passport is a physical booklet that features QR codes, historical anecdotes, and a map pinpointing 12 key venues across Kansas City. Residents can pick up the passport at designated community centers, libraries, or online through the KCAC website (link: https://www.kcarts.org/passport). Once a passport is in hand, participants receive a schedule of weekly “passport days” where they are encouraged to visit the venues listed in the passport’s itinerary. Each visit earns them a stamp—a stylized “C” icon that can be collected in the passport. When a passport is fully stamped, participants receive a commemorative certificate and a 10% discount voucher to be used at any of the participating venues.

“We wanted something tangible, something that people could hold and feel proud of,” said Dr. Angela Brown, executive director of BVBV and one of the initiative’s co‑founders. “The passport is both a map and a celebration of the rich cultural heritage that black artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs have built over decades.”

Highlights of the Featured Venues

The passport includes 12 destinations, each representing a distinct facet of Kansas City’s black cultural ecosystem. Below is a snapshot of what visitors can expect:

Each venue’s profile on the KCAC portal (link: https://www.kcarts.org/venues) offers a deeper dive into its history, current programming, and the stories of its founders.

Community Voices

The initiative has already begun to stir enthusiasm among residents. James "Jimmy" Lee, a 32‑year‑old community organizer who recently received his fully stamped passport, described the experience as “a journey through my city’s heart.”

“Every time I go to a new place on the passport, I learn something new about the people who built this city,” Jimmy said. “I’ve met artists who’ve taught me how to paint, musicians who taught me how to play the sax, and chefs who showed me how to blend spices in ways that honor tradition and innovation.”

On the other hand, KCTV5’s on‑air correspondent, Maria Gonzalez, interviewed venue owner Maria “Mia” Jackson of Soulful Soul Café. “When the passport program launched, I was nervous. Will people actually use it? Will they appreciate what we’re doing? But seeing the crowds—families, tourists, young people—walking in, I realized that the passport is a catalyst for community building.”

Economic and Cultural Impact

The program’s architects see the passport as a strategic tool to stimulate local economies. According to KCAC’s economic report (link: https://www.kcarts.org/economic-impact), black‑owned arts venues contribute an estimated $12 million annually to the city’s GDP. The passport’s incentive structure—discount vouchers and free events—has already resulted in a 15% uptick in foot traffic at participating venues during its first month.

Culturally, the passport underscores the importance of preserving black heritage amid rapid gentrification. “Kansas City has a rich, under‑told story,” noted Dr. Brown. “The passport is not just a tourist tool; it’s a means to keep those stories alive for future generations.”

How to Get Involved

Residents can obtain the passport at:

• KCAC Main Library (Central Library, 1st Ave NW)
• West Side Community Center (10th St SW)
• Online (https://www.kcarts.org/passport) – print and bring a copy

Participation is free, but volunteers are needed to host guided tours, lead workshops, and help maintain the venues. Interested individuals can sign up via the KCAC volunteer portal (link: https://www.kcarts.org/volunteer).

Looking Ahead

While the passport is still in its pilot phase, plans are already underway to expand the program’s reach. A future update may include a digital app version, partnerships with regional tourism boards, and a traveling exhibit that showcases the best moments from the passport experience. For now, the passport stands as a testament to Kansas City’s commitment to celebrating black culture, fostering community engagement, and ensuring that the city’s artistic soul thrives for generations to come.

For more information, visit the KCAC passport page (https://www.kcarts.org/passport), explore individual venue details, or follow the #KCBlackPassport hashtag on social media to join the conversation.