The Kansas City Defender Redefines Journalism, Cultural Legacy

A movement newsroom building lasting infrastructure, deep trust, and measurable impact—on and offline

For funders committed to equity, sustainability, and civic engagement, The Kansas City Defender offers a compelling case study in what’s possible when journalism is rooted in service and supported for the long haul.

This month, the Black-led newsroom is launching a $500,000 capital campaign—not to expand its digital operations, but to purchase and preserve Willa’s Books & Vinyl, Missouri’s oldest Black-owned bookstore. The goal: turn a historic archive into a community anchor, public cultural hub, and The Defender’s first physical newsroom.

“This is movement journalism in action,” said Tracie Powell, founder and CEO of The Pivot Fund. “Ryan Sorrell, The Defender’s founder, is building what funders say they want—community trust, institutional infrastructure, and long-term impact that goes far beyond content.”

Why This Investment Matters

For 40+ years, Willa Robinson has curated a remarkable collection of more than 20,000 Black literary works, including rare first-edition Frederick Douglass volumes. As rising costs threatened the bookstore’s future, The Defender quietly stepped in—cataloging the entire collection and covering rent for eight months.

Now, with Robinson preparing to retire, The Defender plans to acquire the building and collection, transforming the space into:

• A free Black public archive
• A mutual aid hub
• An Abolitionist Freedom School site
• And its first brick-and-mortar headquarters

This is more than a real estate purchase—it’s an investment in intergenerational knowledge, Black cultural stewardship, and the kind of trusted, place-based journalism that keeps communities informed, connected, and empowered.

A Proven Model Ready to Scale

Since its founding, The Kansas City Defender has become one of the most trusted sources among young Black audiences in the Midwest—leveraging digital tools while staying grounded in local relationships.

Backed by a $150,000 grant from The Pivot Fund, the outlet has expanded its team to include:

• Khadijah Bland, Director of Development and Revenue, has already secured $250,000 in support from the Kauffman Foundation and is now leading efforts to strengthen The Defender’s fundraising strategy and long-term sustainability plan.
• Mili Mansaray, Senior Editor, helping grow the newsroom’s reporting capacity.

Together, they’re building a pipeline for revenue and talent—laying the groundwork for long-term organizational health.

“We have a very dense audience,” said Sorrell. “Fewer followers than larger outlets, but higher engagement. That’s because we’re not just online—we’re on the ground.”

A Call to Philanthropy: Fund the Legacy You Want to See

The Kansas City Defender is doing what many funders say they want their dollars to support:

• Building civic infrastructure
• Preserving Black cultural and historical institutions
• Developing future leaders in journalism
• Creating replicable models of sustainable, equity-driven media

This campaign is a rare chance to invest in all four. For funders focused on democracy, racial equity, press freedom, and movement-building, now is the time to act.

The Kansas City Defender is not just preserving history—it’s creating a future where local journalism is visionary, resilient, and accountable to the people it serves.