Igniting the Future Requires Fuel
Why BLAQUE KC Invested $1.8 Million in the Future of Kansas City Education
Last Friday, BLAQUE KC celebrated a historic moment for our organization. For the first time since our founding in 2020, we invested $1.8 million in the future of Kansas City. Our recipients included DeLaSalle Education Center, Hope Leadership Academy, The Legacy of Julia Lee Performing Arts Academy, Show Me KC Schools, and Teachers Like Me. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we also donated $10,000 to a deserving teacher at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy High School.
This investment further cements our promise to Kansas City—to strengthen our educational system to ensure every Black child attending public schools has access to a high-quality, equitable, and empowering education. More than anything, it is a bold call to action. Because igniting the future of education requires fuel. It requires all of us.
Responding to What the Data Shows
Our investment strategy was informed first and foremost by the realities of Kansas City’s educational landscape.
The data is clear and the moment is urgent—today, only 1 in 3 students in Kansas City is in a quality school. Grade 3 reading proficiency and Grade 8 math proficiency are key milestones on a student’s academic journey, but alarmingly, most Kansas City students are behind when compared to the Missouri average. 33% of KCPES students are below basic in reading, while 43% are below basic in math. These students demonstrate minimal mastery of grade-level knowledge and skills and, thus, require substantial academic support to be prepared for success at the next grade level.
When you disaggregate the data by race, the reality becomes even more sobering. Since 2019, achievement gaps for both Black and Hispanic students have widened in English Language Arts and Math, signaling that racial disparities in academic outcomes are becoming more pronounced over time. The data is undeniable—far too many students of color are still being denied equitable access to the opportunities and supports needed to thrive academically.
Grounded in 150+ Community Voices
Our investment was ultimately guided by the Community Blueprint for KC Schools, which features the voices of school leaders, parents, students, educators, and community members.
At BLAQUE KC, we view Kansas Citians as co-creators in this work. We build with—not for—Black parents, students, and leaders and help parents, families, and the community elevate their voices in joyful, culturally affirming spaces.
That’s why we relied so heavily on what the community has clearly articulated it wants from schools—mental health and emotional safety, community-rooted learning, flexible pathways with high standards, and leadership and future access.
Each of our investments is aligned with those priorities. We recognize DeLaSalle Education Center’s commitment to personalized learning structures and strong student supports. We honor Hope Leadership Academy’s promise to provide access to high-quality academic experiences paired with the support necessary to meet those expectations. We applaud The Legacy of Julia Lee Performing Arts Academy’s vision of creating an environment where students engage in rigorous learning while also developing creativity, confidence, and self-expression. We celebrate Show Me KC Schools’ critical role in ensuring families are not navigating the education landscape alone. Finally, we commend Teachers Like Me for its essential work strengthening the educator pipeline in our city.
Our Call to Action
For too long, systems have focused on incremental change. What we need, and what we promise to provide, is targeted, strategic investment in what works. BLAQUE KC has already built the governance infrastructure through our Charter School Board Draft. Today, we’re activating capital to strengthen schools and expand access to quality. This is the natural next step—and the right moment to do it.
Our call to action is simple: lean in. For leaders—align your resources and influence to support what’s working. For families—stay engaged and continue to advocate for your children. For investors—be bold and strategic in how you fund solutions. This is a moment where we can move from conversation to action. Everyone has a role to play in building a system that delivers for all students.
We know that education is directly tied to economic mobility and the strength of our workforce. If we want a thriving city, we must invest in the conditions that produce successful students—strong schools, strong leaders, and strong teachers. This is both a moral and economic imperative. And the time to act is now.