The Kansas City Defender Hosts “Black August Grocery Buyout,” Distributes $2000 to Black Families

KANSAS CITY, MO – On Tuesday, August 13th, The Kansas City Defender proudly launched our “Black August Grocery Buyout” at Price Chopper on 63rd Street, in honor of Black August—a time dedicated to commemorating Black freedom struggles, remembering Black political prisoners, and highlighting Black resistance against racial, colonial, and imperialist oppression.

This event, more than only an act of Mutual Aid, was a powerful expression of our ongoing commitment to impacting the material conditions of our community while continuing the legacy of Black resistance. As we distribute $2000 to Black families, we stand in solidarity with those fighting against systemic violence both within and outside the carceral system.

This time, we brought our efforts to Price Chopper, where we could directly impact Black families, single mothers, elders and more, who continue to bear the brunt of economic oppression.

The day began at the Southeast Community Center, where our Mutual Aid team, joined by new volunteers, gathered in a spirit of unity and preparation.

As we moved into Price Chopper, the atmosphere was charged with purpose. Our intergenerational team—a diverse group spanning from youth to elders—was ready to engage with our people. We handed out direct cash to Black folks of all ages, and the reactions were profound. Many people were moved to tears, overwhelmed by the unexpected kindness and support.

These moments reaffirm why we do what we do. Our Grocery Buyouts are not acts of charity—they are radical interventions aimed at restoring dignity, impacting our people’s material conditions, fostering love and hope, and even if only for one batch of groceries, alleviating the crushing weight of capitalism and poverty. More than simply paying for groceries; we hope to contribute to the liberation of our people, one act of mutual aid at a time.

The significance of these Buyouts goes beyond the immediate impact. They represent our vision for what a radical Black press can be (and historically has been)—deeply embedded in the community, working side by side with our people, and using every resource at our disposal to build community and collective power.

Our first Pop-Up two years ago, located at Wild Woody’s Food Center on 31st Street, was in a predominantly Black, divested neighborhood. Our second, at Sunfresh on Prospect Avenue, was chosen directly after the tragic kidnappings and murders of Black women by a white serial killer—a story The Defender was the first to break. These Buyouts are pioneering acts of community survival and resistance, redefining what it means to be a news organization in the Black tradition.

The Grocery Buyout was funded entirely by our community, through a fundraising drive that raised $7,000 in just 12 hours prior to our previous Buyout. The outpouring of support allowed us to establish the Grocery Buyout Fund, which we pulled from for this Buyout to distribute $2,000 directly to Black people during this Black August event.

As we reflect on this event, we are reminded that our work is far from over. The Grocery Buyout Fund ensures that this initiative will continue to grow, reaching more people and deepening its impact with each iteration. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, participated, and believed in this mission. Together, we are building a future where Black people can not only survive but thrive.

Want to Support? If you believe in the work we are doing and want to see it grow, consider donating to our Grocery Buyout Fund. Every dollar helps us extend our reach and impact more lives. Together, we are reclaiming our power, our dignity, and our future.

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