how it all started

And with a tap of his finger, Dayton Moore sent this heartfelt text message to a small group of friends.

It was June 5, 2020.

The country was reeling not only from the effects of a pandemic, which effectively shut down much of the world, but also from the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, by a police officer. Protests and riots broke out in cities across the country and even across continents.

This was a far cry from the picture of unity we saw as citizens rallied around heroic essential workers and loved ones mourning the loss of friends and family due to COVID-19. No, this was the opposite. In a virtual moment, the unity that seemed to stretch from sea to shining sea erupted in an explosion of anger, hatred, and division—a surprise to some, an age-old story to others.

It was undeniable—something had to be done.

There was no going around it, over it or under it. There was no ignoring or avoiding it. The only way was through: So that small group of friends decided to take action toward racial healing and reconciliation in Kansas City.

They began with a meeting and a prayer, engaging in important and ongoing conversations, learning more about our own city’s history, listening to one another and honoring others’ experiences. Then they moved to translating that knowledge into strategy for action. That small group has steadily grown into the movement now known as Unite KC.

Kansas City has a history of racial division.

Part of Unite KC’s purpose is to stop allowing the legacy of racially restrictive covenants to dictate our present. We are replacing the restrictive covenants with a covenant of reconciliation that declares what we really believe: every person possesses inherent, God-given value and should be treated as such. Every person should have the opportunity to thrive; and right now, we have to fight for the Black community to receive the same opportunities to thrive as the White community.

Since 2020, we’ve been…

Ray Jarrett and Dayton Moore addressing a crowd during a Walk for Unity event

Ongoing Community Engagement

Unite KC launched initiatives like "Do One Good Thing" events and tools like the BLESS App to empower individuals and groups to take practical steps toward connection and unity. These efforts have helped build relationships, support local outreach, and strengthen neighborhoods across the city.

Mobilizing Movement

Unite KC has played a pivotal role in crisis response through initiatives like The Church Loves Kansas City. This collaborative effort unites churches, nonprofits, and community organizations to provide immediate and long-term support during times of need. From disaster relief to addressing systemic challenges, these partnerships demonstrate the power of collective action and the church's vital role in loving and serving the city.