December 13th 2025.
A recent lawsuit has been filed against the Westport Community Improvement District in Missouri, claiming that the district conspired to exclude Black business owners from one of Kansas City's most popular entertainment hubs. The plaintiffs, Euphoric LLC, UniKC LLC, and The Sourze LLC, are seeking $70 million in damages for alleged discriminatory practices that hindered their ability to operate and earn revenue in the Westport entertainment district.
Local civil rights groups have rallied behind the case, hoping to bring attention to the alleged injustice. Gwen Grant, president and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, expressed her support, stating that increased attention will add weight to the case. "Now, people are going to be watching, and we need to lift this up now before they put even more attention on us around the world," she said, referring to Kansas City's recent selection to host international events.
The lawsuit alleges that the Westport CID and property owners used biased gatekeeping tactics to deny Black-led ventures in the district. The plaintiffs claim that the governing board asked discriminatory questions about the type of music and crowd expected at their businesses, specifically targeting businesses that cater to "Hip-Hop crowds."
One of the business owners involved in the lawsuit, Christopher Lee, shared his experience with KCTV 5, saying, "I paid my deposit. I gave them a concept. It wasn't good enough," after meeting all the requirements but still being denied the opportunity to open his business.
The Westport Community Improvement District has issued a statement strongly refuting the allegations made by the plaintiffs and civil rights groups. They state that diversity is a core value in the district and that people of all backgrounds have lived, worked, and opened businesses in the area for decades. They believe that the facts will show that the claims made against them are without merit and that Westport remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for all.
In the midst of this lawsuit, NASCAR has recently settled an antitrust lawsuit, with Michael Jordan emerging victorious. The settlement serves as a reminder that justice can prevail, and hopefully, the same will be true for the ongoing lawsuit against the Westport Community Improvement District. As the case continues to unfold, the community is left to grapple with questions about the district and its treatment of Black business owners. Will this lead to a boycott of Westport? Only time will tell.
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