Now More Than Ever: Why We’re Building the Yuma Street Cultural Center Reclaiming our legacy. Rising together.
Across the nation, cultural institutions—particularly those centered on marginalized communities—are under fire. From book bans and curriculum restrictions to executive order targeting cultural centers, we’re witnessing a coordinated effort to silence, erase, and politicize the histories that built this country.
But in the face of erasure, we are choosing visibility.
Here in Manhattan, Kansas—where no formal cultural center currently exists—we are boldly stepping into that gap. We are creating the Yuma Street Cultural Center (YSCC): a space rooted in history, built for the present, and designed for generations to come.
This center isn’t just a physical place—it’s a commitment to truth, culture, and belonging. It’s a sanctuary where our entrepreneurs can grow businesses, where students can engage with the untold stories of their community, and where families can gather to celebrate legacy and build new memories.
Why Cultural Centers Matter
Cultural centers improve quality of life—not just for one group of people, but for entire communities.
They build empathy and cross-cultural understanding by showcasing diverse histories and traditions.
They drive economic development by supporting local creatives, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
They create safe spaces for learning, healing, and connection, especially for underrepresented communities.
And they give young people the representation and role models they deserve to see.
Cities that invest in cultural infrastructure are investing in vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities. They’re saying, “You belong here. Your story matters.”
Why Now, and Why Manhattan?
Manhattan is rich in culture, history, and community—but there is no central space that fully reflects the depth and diversity of our shared story. For too long, vital voices and contributions have been overlooked.
Yuma Street was once the heartbeat of a vibrant, resilient community. It was home to trailblazing students, pioneering entrepreneurs, and generations of families who shaped the city’s legacy. Even Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made a powerful stop on Yuma Street during his final university visit before his assassination.
The Yuma Street Cultural Center will honor that legacy while shaping the future. It will serve as the headquarters for Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) and feature:
A business incubator and rotating retail space
A restaurant and commercial kitchen for food entrepreneurs
Historical exhibits and art installations
A digital equity hub and co-working space
And dynamic programming to uplift culture, commerce, and community
Reclaim & Rise with Us
This is a defining moment—not just for BEFH, but for the entire Flint Hills region and the state of Kansas. As cultural institutions face attacks nationwide, we are choosing to build. We are choosing to preserve our history. And we are choosing to empower our community.
This is about more than a building. It’s about declaring that our stories belong, and that our future will not be built on silence—but on truth, equity, and pride.
Join us in reclaiming our legacy and rising together.
Learn more and donate to the campaign:
https://www.blackflinthills.com/yuma