The Community VOICE

The July 12 issue of THE VOICE before it hits the streets!

News you won't find elsewhere: Stories important to Black Kansans in Wichita, Kansas City, and across the state of Kansas and Missouri, addressing health, education, and local issues.

Check out the June 7, 2024 E-Edition here. Wichita, KCK, KCMO news along with upcoming Juneteenth Events and Who's running for office!

LAST CALL FOR EVENTS! As we approach Juneteenth, it's crucial to ensure that all celebrations are captured and shared with the community. We invite you to list your event in our upcoming paper, which will hit the streets on June 7th. This is a significant occasion, marking the end of slavery in the United States, and it's important that we honor it with the respect and dignity it deserves. By listing your event, you're not only sharing your celebration but also contributing to the broader narrative of Juneteenth.

The May 17 VOICE Print Edition is ready for you to read. #thecommunityvoice #BlackNews #Wichita #KansasCity #Kansas #Missouri

A recent study, backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and conducted in partnership with HCM Strategists and Edge Research, sheds light on the shifting values of high school juniors and seniors towards postsecondary education options. Surprisingly, over 80% of these students prioritize on-the-job training and immediate employment opportunities over traditional four-year college degrees, a choice that resonates with more than 1,700 surveyed. This trend is not isolated to current students; the study also explored attitudes among non-enrolled adults aged 18-30, revealing a similar inclination towards licenses, professional certificates, and trade schools. Despite these preferences, experts express concern, emphasizing the undeniable value a college degree holds in socioeconomic advancement and equalizing opportunities across diverse demographic groups. The findings, discussed in a panel on March 12, highlight a growing skepticism toward college education, fueled by negative perceptions of student debt and concerns over campus diversity. Nonetheless, the data suggests that with clear communication on the tangible benefits and potential ROI of higher education, these attitudes can be shifted. Key takeaways include the high value placed on practical training leading to employment, the alignment of college importance with prospective job placement and income, and the nuanced perspective of non-enrolled adults towards education options. As the landscape of postsecondary education evolves, understanding these trends is crucial for educators, policymakers, and students alike, offering a roadmap to bridge gaps and realign the perceived value of higher education with the realities of today’s workforce demands.

Click on the link and read our latest issue of The VOICE #communityvoiceks

The organization Justice Together, made up of 35 religious congregations and groups, has been diligently working to combat homelessness and mental health issues in Sedgwick County, Wichita. After extensive research, they are set to present their findings at the Nehemiah Action event on May 9th. Their research involved speaking to affected individuals and local experts to develop key solutions. Proposed resolutions include adopting the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model for mental health crisis care, implementing a 'housing first' approach to homelessness, and introducing a photo ID program for easier service access. Justice Together has invited city and county leaders to the event with a view to implementing these proposals. This initiative is highly commendable as it aims to break down the barriers that people with mental illnesses face while seeking care. Engagement from the community in support of these proposals could significantly uplift the lives of those affected by these critical social issues. Let's amplify the voices advocating for change.

Read the April 19, 2024 E-Edition on your phone, tablet or desktop.

Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III has resigned as CEO and President of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition less than a year after his appointment. His departure comes amid reported financial difficulties within the organization. Haynes will continue his role as Senior Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas.