My name is Brian. I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, in a co-op called "Parade Park Homes." It was built in the '50s and meant to be a temporary spot for upwardly mobile young Black families looking to get started on their adult lives. However, it became much more. At one point in time, it was the oldest Black-owned co-op in the country, and my family has been here since the beginning. At this moment, there are three generations of my family living here. My mother, her siblings, their friends, my siblings, and our friends were all raised here together. We took great pride in our neighborhood. We shared each other's joy and always made sure our neighbors were taken care of.

Unfortunately, due to negligence not just from some bad actors living here, but the government, who ignored constant calls to report issues ranging from minuscule to potentially life-threatening. Despite there not being many families left, we have dealt with constant fires. It didn't have to be this way. Parade Park was not just a vital part of Kansas City history, but a part of Black American history. We deserved better. Unfortunately, this is coming to an end. We have to move out so it can be redeveloped. Three generations of my family, as well as close friends, all have to move at the same time. I can't think of anything more poetic than, this really, really sucks.

Soon, we'll be moving into my uncle's house, but until inspections and paperwork are done, we'll have to stay in an extended stay hotel or an Airbnb for 2-3 weeks. I'm raising money to cover those costs, as well as food, money for transportation (we don't have a car), and to replace items we cannot bring with us. This has been hell on my family. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!