The Central Area Betterment Association (CABA) has been a cornerstone in Kansas City, Kansas, for 47 years. Initially formed as a resource for business owners along Central Avenue, it was a platform for local businesses to interact with government entities to address their needs. However, the KCK community has changed drastically in the last half century, and CABA’s mission has evolved to reflect that.
“When the community aged out and white flight came about, we lost membership. As our membership went down, our budget was cut,” says Executive Director of CABA, Edgar Galicia.
The community faces adversity, especially the growing fear of ICE raids and government policy changes. Nevertheless, CABA has persevered, transitioning into a crucial community outreach organization. It aims to provide continued support for the community.
The organization has turned to community groups and neighborhood leaders to pinpoint areas of improvement. CABA’s five key goals are community development, leadership, pride, entrepreneurship, healthy living, and education.
In recent years, CABA has been at the forefront of advocating for Latino and immigrant populations. The association recognizes the importance of educating and empowering these individuals, especially with the current political climate. The rise of ICE raids and crackdowns has created fear and uncertainty. CABA aims to empower individuals through education and resources. They provide support to reduce fear and help people navigate these challenges.
“Since the new federal government came into power, we have been faced with the harsh reality of increased threats to our immigrant community,” Galicia shares. CABA’s approach has been to focus on education, helping individuals understand their rights. The organization has expanded its focus to include civic engagement and community education as key strategies in confronting these challenges. By equipping community members with knowledge, CABA ensures they are prepared to respond to threats like ICE raids, encouraging families to be vigilant and informed.
One of CABA’s most significant initiatives is La Placita, a community market held from spring to fall.
The bi-monthly market serves as a platform for local vendors and entrepreneurs to connect with the community.
“We believe that the hardworking, low-income people of our community need a place to expose themselves to non-threatening, low-upfront investment business opportunities,” Galicia says. La Placita provides a space for individuals to engage in commerce, build relationships, and promote their businesses, all while surrounded by family and friends.
CABA’s work reflects this spirit of resilience. “Understanding us as humans is a very important thing to do.” The organization emphasizes empathy as a weapon against division, recognizing that shared experiences and understanding can bridge gaps and unite people. “We are very open to sharing with everyone, celebrating with everyone,” he says.
Galicia says this openness is what fosters economic opportunities and celebrates the KCK community’s cultural richness. “The Latino community has created its own markets, and we are moving into mainstream markets with our products. This is a source of power,” says Galicia. Through events like La Placita, CABA empowers Latino entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, challenging the mainstream market that has often sidelined them.
The threat of ICE raids and government interference looms large over many of CABA’s events, forcing the community to confront the constant fear of surveillance and deportation. For many Latinos, cultural expression becomes an act of resistance. But it is in these very celebrations of identity that the threat of government action is most pronounced.
Despite these risks, CABA continues to foster an environment where people can proudly embrace their heritage. “We shall not be afraid,” says Galicia. “We shall stay present and promote ourselves with the knowledge that there is danger for some members of our families.” This commitment to resilience is a core aspect of Latino culture and is reflected in CABA’s work. “We have been a mix of things, but we have learned to stay alive and resilient through hardship,” Galicia adds.
However, the safety of hosting public events amidst the threat of ICE raids remains a significant concern. “Our board has been concerned about safety,” Galicia admits. “We have that guilt that says if we were to bring people out and something were to happen, how bad would we feel?” Still, CABA presses forward, understanding the need to “work with reality, even if it is challenging.” As Galicia emphasizes, “We need to arm ourselves with knowledge and understand our situation to improve conditions.” Ultimately, the goal is to help the community thrive, even in the face of adversity.
Galicia also highlights the economic power of the Latino community. “We have created an enormous amount of buying power. That is the reason we are being targeted,” he explains. By diversifying markets and contributing to the economy, the Latino community has proven its strength. However, the fight is not just economic but also political. “We need to educate our people about our powers,” Galicia asserts.
Amidst these challenges, CABA continues to inspire hope. Galicia draws strength from the resilience rooted in Latino culture. “We celebrate the dead. Even those who have passed away are still here with us in our hearts,” he reflects. Galicia says it’s a symbol of endurance, a reminder that, despite adversity, the community will endure and thrive.
As CABA looks toward the future, the organization remains focused on its mission to support the community through education, advocacy, and empowerment. Galicia’s final words resonate deeply: “What we are asking the community is to acknowledge what is happening, keep their eyes open, be careful, be law-abiding, but when it comes down to reporting something, make sure there are pictures, make sure there is a video, and make sure it is reliable information.”
The Central Area Betterment Association continues to be a vital resource for its community, helping to ensure that even in the face of adversity, the people it serves have the knowledge and support to persevere. Through resilience, solidarity, and a commitment to cultural pride, CABA is a model for how communities can stand strong in the face of challenges.