Kansas City Rallies for Tenants at Yeehaw! Benefit
Last Saturday night, Kansas City came together for an incredible evening of laughter, music, and heartfelt support for a cause that affects so many: the fight for tenant rights. The Yeehaw!: A Benefit for Kansas City event tore down the walls of the Midland Theatre with over 17,000 attendees and raised more than $36,000 for the Kansas City Tenants Union.
A Night to Remember
This year’s benefit was extra special, showcasing a lineup of talented performers who graciously donated their time to put on a fantastic show. The one and only Caleb Hearon, a Missouri native, returned to host the evening for the third consecutive year, bringing his signature charm alongside Katie Crutchfield from the indie band Waxahatchee. Guests were treated to side-splitting comedy sets from the likes of Jay Jurden and Beth Stelling, who reminded everyone that while the night was filled with fun, the underlying issues regarding tenant rights are serious and prevalent across the nation.
Voices for Change
After the laughter, the stage was taken over by courageous members of the Kansas City Tenants Union, including rent strikers from both Independence Towers and Quality Hill Towers. These brave individuals shared their personal stories, shedding light on the injustices and poor living conditions that have too often been ignored. They talked about how the Kansas City Tenants Union aided them in organizing and forming their own union to fight for change in their communities.
Tara Raghuveer, a founding member of the KC Tenants Union, made a bold statement regarding the Sentinel Real Estate Corporation, the company overseeing Independence and Quality Hill Towers. She revealed that the company had issued retaliatory rent nonrenewals against the strikers as a response to their activism. But this didn’t stop the spirit of the night; striking members even displayed a picture of their landlord on stage and encouraged attendees to text him directly, demanding a meeting to discuss reinstating their leases.
Sparking the Music Scene
At this engaging event, the laughter didn’t stop with comedy! After the heartfelt stories, the crowd was serenaded by talented artists like Samia, Briston Maroney, and again, Katie Crutchfield, who kept the energy high with their captivating performances. The sensational Salvation Choir, a Congolese Rumba band comprised of immigrants from the Congo and Tanzania, also took to the stage, further emphasizing the theme of community support through dance and song.
A Growing Movement
As the years go by, the Yeehaw! benefit has only continued to grow. Each year sees a larger venue, an increased number of high-profile acts, and bigger crowds, showcasing the incredible support the Kansas City community has for the Kansas City Tenants Union. With a whopping 10,000 card-carrying members now part of the union, they continue to lead the charge in paving the way for tenant unions across the country.
It’s evident that Kansas City stands in solidarity with the tenants, and events like Yeehaw! are a testament to the power of community, laughter, and shared determination. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!
