At The Prospect KC, special events are not a side project they are one of the engines that keep the mission funded, visible, and alive in the community. We are raising critical dollars, showcasing Culinary Futures in real time, and inviting more people into the ecosystem that sustains our kitchen, pantry, and social enterprises.

Gumbo Fest 2026, a Party with a Purpose initiative inspired by “The Gumbo Coalition,” a book by Mac Morial, president of the National Urban League and former mayor of New Orleans. The Gumbo Ideology + Gumbo Fest The history of gumbo is born of struggle, a response to hunger and adversity by creating a rich, savory stew from leftovers. Recipes vary in their use of seafood, chicken, sausage, okra or filé powers. But all gumbos start with a roux, a combination of fat and flour used to thicken the broth and hold the ingredients together. “Marc’s book sparked an idea with me when I read it,” said The Prospect KC Founder/Executive Director Shanita McAfee-Bryant. “He uses gumbo to sum up a philosophy of adaptation through struggle and applies it to leadership and community development.

We’re applying “The Gumbo Coalition” ideology to our own mission with Gumbo Fest. The event celebrates the revitalization of the economically disadvantaged and financially divested Eastside and speaks of the hope of the future.”

Bringing together the community for good Last year’s inaugural Gumbo Fest brought together a collation of working-class residents, business leaders, politicians, clergy and grassroots activists with the collaborative vision of creating a healthy and thriving community. Proceeds from Gumbo Fest allows The Prospect KC to empower individuals and communities through increased food access, nutrition education and culinary job training.

The Prospect KC manages five food-based, community-building initiatives: Culinary Job Training, Kitchen Confidence, Real Food for Real People, Stir the Pot.

Chef McAfee and organizers hope that Kansas City will turn out again to support The Prospect KC’s mission and enjoy glorious gumbos made by local celebrity chefs in a fun festival atmosphere in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District.

“When I began The Prospect KC journey, it was my Dad, Mark McAfee Sr., and his legacy of service and willingness to open doors for not just his family, but for anyone in need that motivated me. He used to say, 'To whom much is given, much will be required,”’ said McAfee. “It is our mantra at The Prospect KC- through initiatives aimed at dismantling food apartheid, we want to provide access, support and raise up those who have been systematically forgotten. “To quote Chef-humanitarian José Andres: ‘Together we can channel the power of food and change things for the better. It all starts with building longer tables.’ I know Kansas City has the power to build that table, and Gumbo Fest is one piece of that building block.”’