Mili Mansaray, The Beacon

Stories by Mili Mansaray, The Beacon

Members of Kansas City Heroes, a local nonprofit, serving a free meal to unhoused individuals on Oct. 4. The organization hosts this dinner every Tuesday in Washington Square Park.

Zero KC Wants to End Houselessness in Five Years But Will Require More Commitment from Leaders

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | October 13, 2022

Kansas City leaders recently announced a five-year plan to end houselessness that they’re calling Zero KC. It faces many challenges in achieving that goal.

Mayor Quinton Lucas speaks at the Aug. 17 committee meeting, behind yellow KC Tenants protest signs. At least eight KC Tenants leaders gave testimony at this meeting, and dozens of members returned the next day for the City Council vote.

To Attract More Developers, Kansas City Changes its Affordable Housing Ordinance — Again

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon, Josh Merchant, The Beacon | August 30, 2022

According to KC’s new affordable housing ordinance, the median income for a four-person household is nearly six figures. Advocates say this is a problem.

Kansas City's Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, where the JuneteenthHeritage Festival is set to take place.

25 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Kansas City, and to Keep Supporting Black Communities

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | June 17, 2022

Celebrate Juneteenth by attending events, shopping with Black-owned businesses, supporting Black-led organizations, and learning more about our community’s history.

Kansas City jazz drummer Tyree Johnson in Kansas City’s 18th & Vine District.

Without Live Gigs, Kansas City Jazz Musicians get Creative

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | February 26, 2021

Local jazz musicians have lost a large part of their income to the continued spread of COVID-19, which has pummeled the live music industry, leaving them to look to new ways of making money.