About this Event
Power to the People: No Vote No Hope
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Gathering KC
2800 E. Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO
Kansas City is at a defining moment—and the question is simple: Will we organize, or will we be organized?
The 19th Annual Urban Summit Conference is more than a gathering. It's a call to action.
For nearly two decades, the Urban Summit has brought together residents, grassroots leaders, businesses, and policymakers to confront the issues shaping our community—head-on. From education and economic development to public safety, health, and neighborhood revitalization, this is where truth is spoken and solutions are demanded.
This year's theme—Power to the People: No Vote No Hope—makes it clear: Our future depends on participation. Our power depends on engagement. And our progress depends on us.
Keynote Speakers
🎤 Morning Keynote — Qiana Thomason President & CEO of Health Forward Foundation, Qiana Thomason is one of Kansas City's most respected voices on health equity and community investment. Her keynote will set the tone for a day of honest conversation, bold vision, and collective action.
🎤 Afternoon Keynote — Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, Dr. Bryant is a nationally recognized pastor, author, and civil rights activist whose voice has moved congregations and communities alike. His powerful closing keynote will challenge and inspire us to turn engagement into transformation.
Why This Conference Matters
Decisions are being made every day that impact our neighborhoods, our families, and our future—too often without us at the table. This conference is about changing that.
We are creating space for:
- Real conversations about the issues impacting our communities
- Honest dialogue between residents and decision-makers
- Collective strategies that move us from frustration to action
- Community-driven solutions that center Black and working-class voices
Because this isn't just policy—it's people's lives.
What to Expect
- Dynamic discussions on critical issues facing Kansas City and our nation
- Powerful keynote addresses from Qiana Thomason and Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant
- Opportunities to connect with community leaders, advocates, and neighbors
- Action-oriented sessions focused on building power and accountability
- Lunch provided
- Employment Opportunities — connect with employers and explore career resources
- Voter Registration — get registered or update your information on the spot
- Mobile Health Unit Screenings — free health screenings available on-site
- A space where your voice is not just welcomed—it's necessary
Why You Should Be in the Room
The Urban Summit has always been about more than talk—it's about transformation. Our work is rooted in advocacy, civic engagement, and grassroots organizing that drives real change across Kansas City's urban core.
This annual conference is one of our most important moments to come together, align our efforts, and push forward—together.
This Is a Movement
We don't wait for change—we organize for it. We don't hope for better—we build it.
Show up. Speak up. The time is now.
Reserve your seat and be part of the movement.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Gathering KC, 3126 Benton Boulevard, Kansas City, United States
USD 0.00
