The Project

Bob Kendrick has transformed the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum into an internationally respected institution that preserves and elevates the story of Black baseball as a central chapter of American history. Under his leadership, the museum has grown into a major cultural and tourism destination, using sports to educate visitors about racial justice, entrepreneurship, perseverance, and excellence. Kendrick’s work reinforces 18th & Vine as a place where history is not only remembered, but actively taught and lived.

Dr. Carmaletta Williams has strengthened the Black Archives of Mid-America as the region’s premier institution for preserving African American history and scholarship. Through exhibitions, research access, and educational partnerships, she has ensured that Black Kansas City’s political, cultural, and social contributions are documented and accessible. Her leadership affirms 18th & Vine as a center of historical authority and intellectual legacy.

Allan Gray II founded the Zhou Brothers Art Center to introduce contemporary and global art practices into the historic 18th & Vine District. The Art Center bridges international artistic dialogue with local cultural history, expanding the district’s creative footprint beyond its traditional boundaries. By welcoming new artists, exhibitions, and audiences, Gray has helped ensure that 18th & Vine remains a living, evolving cultural landscape.

Shawn Edwards has contributed to advancing the mission of the Black Hall of Fame, an institution dedicated to honoring African American excellence across generations and disciplines. Through public engagement and educational initiatives, his work supports the Hall of Fame’s role as both a celebratory and instructional space, reinforcing pride, leadership, and cultural continuity within Kansas City’s historic core.

Damron Russell Armstrong founded the Kansas City Black Repertory Theatre to center Black voices and narratives within the performing arts. Through original works and reimagined classics, the company provides a platform for local artists while addressing contemporary and historical themes. Armstrong’s leadership extends the cultural legacy of 18th & Vine by affirming theater as a tool for storytelling, reflection, and community dialogue.

The Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey have been long-standing contributors to the performing arts presence at 18th & Vine. Through residencies, performances, and education programs, the organization has connected local dancers and audiences to one of the world’s most celebrated modern dance legacies. Their continued presence demonstrates how national-caliber arts institutions can thrive within a historic Black cultural district.

The Mutual Musicians Foundation is one of the most important living institutions in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District, preserving Kansas City’s jazz tradition as a continuously practiced art form rather than a static exhibit. Established as a home and union hall for African American musicians during segregation, the Foundation has long served as a late-night gathering place where generations of jazz artists perform, mentor, and pass down musical knowledge. Today, it remains a rare cultural space where history, community, and improvisation intersect—ensuring that the sound and spirit of Kansas City jazz remain alive, accessible, and deeply rooted in the neighborhood that helped create it.

The Urban Youth Baseball Academy uses the legacy of the Negro Leagues to inspire and educate Kansas City’s youth. By combining athletics with academic support, mentoring, and career exploration, the Academy extends the values of teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Its work ensures that 18th & Vine continues to shape future generations as much as it honors the past.

The Boone Theater represents the broader entertainment and entrepreneurial history of 18th & Vine, when theaters, clubs, and performance halls formed a vibrant Black-owned cultural economy. Its story reflects the district’s long-standing role as a gathering place for creativity, expression, and community life.