MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – The Black Entrepreneurs of Flint Hills and community leaders broke ground on Tuesday, March 10, on a historic cultural center that looks to provide new opportunities in the city of Manhattan.<\/p>\n
\u200bThe ground-breaking project, held on Yuma Street, will transform the Shephard Chapel church, which was built in the 1800s, into a vibrant hub that will serve as a resource for many.<\/p>\n
\u200bAccording to the organization, the Yuma Street Cultural Center plans to offer training for aspiring Black entrepreneurs, foster innovation among the youth, and serve as a dedicated space for emerging food businesses.<\/p>\n
\u200bWith aspirations driven by perseverance, members of the Manhattan community expressed excitement in breaking ground in an area with historic ties.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be able to have a space in this town, to be able to go in and get a tour of this historic district–people to learn that history firsthand. It\u2019s incredible, and we\u2019re very excited about it,\u201d said Sheila Ellis-Glasper, executive director at Black Entrepreneurs of Flint Hills. <\/p>\n
\u200bFunding for the new center was made possible through the nonprofit\u2019s Reclaim and Rise Capital campaign.<\/p>\n
\u200bThe initiative aims to raise over $2.5 million, which will go to restoring the historic building into a center made for culture and entrepreneurship. So far, the campaign has surpassed $850,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are celebrating not only the culture, not only the individuals that weren\u2019t often the first in their field, but also the collective community,\u201d said Sarah Barrett, vice president of Strategy and Grant Programs with Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. <\/p>\n