Inner City Pioneers finish summer with a beat
The sounds of transformation echoed through Kansas City this June and July as Kansas City Inner City Pioneers wrapped up a powerful seven-week African Drumming & Dance program, funded by the Neighborhoods Rising Fund, a funding collaborative managed by Community Capital Fund.
The summer session, held at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, brought together youth from across the inner city to explore the rhythms and movements of African culture—an immersive experience designed to build confidence, cultural pride, and stronger neighborhood ties. Led by Amy Hartsfield and master drummer Danny Hinds, the program paired technical instruction with cultural education, helping participants connect more deeply with themselves, their heritage, and one another.
Program site supervisor Marsha Perkins coordinated outreach and parent engagement alongside local neighborhood associations, helping ensure a diverse and enthusiastic group of youth participants. Volunteers, staff, and families alike joined in the journey—transforming not just individual lives but the spirit of the wider community.
While the summer program has just come to a close, the momentum isn’t slowing down. This fall, Kansas City Inner City Pioneers will launch a three-month extension of the program from September through November. The format will remain similar, offering youth ongoing access to skilled instruction and meaningful cultural experiences in a safe, supportive environment.
Through drumming and dance, youth are learning to become strong team members, respectful leaders, and engaged neighbors. Participants walk away with more than skills—they gain a sense of identity, purpose, and belonging.
The long-term goal? To foster a new generation of confident, culturally aware community members ready to lead, contribute, and stay rooted in their neighborhoods.
Learn more about the Neighborhoods Rising Fund and its funding collaborative here. Read more stories about projects the fund funded in 2024 in the annual report here.