Building a Legacy, Empowering Generations
A Beacon of Heritage and Hope in the Flint Hills of Kansas
The Yuma Street Cultural Center will be more than a building—it's a revival of history, a celebration of culture, and a catalyst for community empowerment. Nestled in the heart of Manhattan's historic Yuma Street neighborhood, the center stands as a testament to the resilience, courage, and contributions of the African American community.
Building a Hub for Innovation & Opportunity
Beyond preserving the past, YSCC will open doors to a brighter future.
Our center will feature:
Workshops on financial literacy, homeownership, and mental health.
Culinary Incubator spaces for food entrepreneurs, including a state-of-the-art catering kitchen.
The Melanin Market, an outdoor venue showcasing local black and socially-disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
Business Training Programs offering essential tools and mentorship to help community members turn their dreams into reality.
Youth Development Programs, honoring the legacy of educators who poured into the youth of Yuma street.
Thanks to everyone who came out to our Campaign launch!
The support and love was real!
Honoring Our Roots, Building Our Future
A Rich History of Black Excellence
Yuma Street has been home to inspiring figures who have shaped Manhattan’s history, including Mr. Dave Baker, visionary of the Yuma Street Cultural Center. As the first Black head baseball coach at Kansas State University and the first Black head coach at a predominantly white university, Mr. Baker is a trailblazer. His efforts led to Yuma Street’s recognition on the National Historic Registry, preserving its heritage.
The Yuma Street Cultural Center will honor these legacies, celebrating past leaders while inspiring future generations. Join us in supporting this project and preserving Yuma Street’s rich history.
Earl Woods
Father of Tiger Woods and first black baseball player in the Big Seven. Mr. Woods grew up on Yuma Street and his sisters were teachers at the Douglas School.
Lena Horne
Grammy-Award winning artist and civil rights activist. Lena Horne performed for soldiers at the Douglas USO Center and stayed at a black-owned hotel on Yuma.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his last university speech at K-State and it is noted that Dr. King walked down Yuma street asking “Where are his people?“ He also gave an impromptu speech on Yuma.
George Giles
Negro Baseball League player and local entrepreneur. Mr. Giles owned George’s Motel on Ft. Riley Blvd. He hosted many notable celebrities who stopped through Manhattan, Kansas.
Wallace Kidd
Wallace Kidd built his successful pest control business in Manhattan, KS., starting on Yuma Street. Mr. Kidd became the first African-American to be elected as Riley County commissioner. Mr. Kidd resided on Yuma Street.
Jackie Robinson & Joe Louis
American trailblazer athletes, Jackie Robinson and Joe Louis, stationed at Ft. Riley. During their stay Robinson and Louis both frequented the Douglas USO and other businesses on Yuma.
Rosa Parks
Civil Rights activist, Rosa Parks, visited the Douglas Center and School to visit with our black youth in the community.
The Yuma Street Cultural Center will be housed in a building steeped in history and significance, located in the Yuma Street Historic District, which dates back over 100 years. This district was recognized for its historical importance and was added to both the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 2022.
As we embark on the future with the Yuma Street Cultural Center, it is essential to recognize and honor this rich history. The center will serve as a beacon for preserving cultural heritage while fostering an inclusive environment where diverse stories and traditions can be shared and celebrated.
By honoring our past, we can inspire future generations to connect with their roots and contribute to a vibrant community.
Honoring the Legacy of
Mr. Dave Baker
We are honored to be guided by the visionary leadership of Mr. Dave Baker—a lifelong resident of Yuma Street, alumnus of the Douglass School, and a true trailblazer in American history.
Mr. Baker’s remarkable achievements have paved the way for future generations, breaking barriers as the first Black head baseball coach at Kansas State University and the first Black head coach at any predominantly white university in the nation. His legacy extends far beyond sports; Mr. Baker has spent his life championing education, advocating for his community, and preserving the rich heritage of Yuma Street.
As Executive Director of the Douglas Center, he led efforts to gain National Historic Registry status for Yuma Street, ensuring its cultural legacy endures. His vision for the Yuma Street Cultural Center is not only to celebrate the past but also to build a vibrant, resilient future.
Be Part of the Legacy
YSCC is a project made possible by community support. Every donation—big or small—brings us closer to creating a sustainable cultural epicenter that celebrates heritage, fosters innovation, and provides resources for generations to come. Join us on this journey to preserve history, empower lives, and build a resilient, inclusive future.
Donate Today and Make a Difference!
Your support will help us bring this vision to life. Click below to contribute to the Yuma Street Cultural Center and leave a lasting impact on our community. Together, we can create a space where heritage meets opportunity, and history fuels progress.
Preserving a Historic Landmark
The Yuma Street Cultural Center is housed in a cherished historic building that has long symbolized resilience and community on Yuma Street. However, this structure now requires over $1.7 million in critical renovations to restore and preserve it for future generations.
Our plans include structural repairs, masonry restoration, window refurbishments, roof replacement, and mechanical upgrades to honor its architectural integrity while creating a safe, welcoming space for community programs.
See below for photos of the building’s current state, and join us in revitalizing this iconic landmark. Your support today will help preserve a piece of history and empower our community for years to come.
