Name: Collide: Across State Lines
Start: 2026-02-12T17:00:00-06:00
Location: The Museum of Kansas City

The best business advice doesn’t always come from a book. Often, it comes from a dap and a conversation between those who have walked the path and those who are clearing new trails.
This is a generational meeting of the minds, bringing together seasoned leaders and modern visionaries to discuss what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain Black business in a region divided by a state line.
Panelists:
Tracey Lewis: President & CEO, EDC of Kansas City
Emmet Pierson: President & CEO, Community Builders of Kansas City
Shalaunda Holmes: Housing and Real Estate Development Director, Urban Neighborhood Initiative
Joseph "Jo Blaq" Macklin: Founder, The DistrKCt
Moderator:
Toriano Porter: Opinion Writer/Editorial Board Member, The Kansas City Star
Time Schedule:
5:00 PM: Reception (Networking across generations)
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Moderated Panel & Discussion
7:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Photos with the Panelists