Ethnic Enrichment Commission Chair Andrea Khan says the nonprofit is “one of the best-kept secrets in Kansas City,” but she doesn’t want it to stay that way

In a city that’s referred to as a “cow town” and sports no shortage of bar and grill chains, it may be difficult to view KC as a bustling cultural hub, but Ethnic Enrichment Commission Chair Andrea Khan couldn’t disagree more. 

“The world is here in Kansas City,” says Khan. A lot of people just aren’t aware of it.

Khan, who grew up in Utah, admits she wasn’t exposed to many different cultures growing up,  but her husband is from Kenya, and when the pair realized that Kenya wasn’t represented in KC’s Ethnic Enrichment Commission, they applied to be representatives. That was 30 years ago. It’s a job that involves building community connections. Currently, Khan is the nonprofit’s board chairman.

The commission is best known for hosting annual festivals, such as the Northland Ethnic Festival and the extremely popular Ethnic Enrichment Festival, which takes place this month, August 15-17, at Swope Park. But throughout the year, Khan and her fellow committee members provide various programs that further their mission, such as cultural proficiency training with local FBI agents, traditional dance and music performances, and even food pop-ups at farmers markets.

“One of the things the commission is very good at doing is cracking the door open for people,” Khan says. “People might be leery or maybe not have the opportunity to travel. So through the committee, people can start peering in through the crack, oftentimes through food, entertainment or shopping.”

According to Khan, the Ethnic Enrichment Commission is always looking to grow. When it first formed in 1980, the commission represented six committees, or countries. Now there are over 75 countries represented, with Khan and her husband continuing to represent Kenya. Of course, there are plenty more than 75 cultural communities in KC, so Khan encourages people to reach out and begin a committee if they don’t see their country represented. 

Although proud of the work the committee has done, Khan says the nonprofit still feels like an underutilized resource and wants to expand community partnerships to work with people “in a more intentional way.” 

“The value that [the committee] has to the community, I don’t think people realize,” Khan says. 

Khan isn’t sure how many locals even know about the Diplomatic Ball that the Commission hosts each spring. The annual event encourages attendees to dress in clothes traditional to their culture. Last year, the commission’s Caribbean countries hosted the ball at the Sheraton Hotel in Crown Center, providing food, music and entertainment. Next year, the committee’s Asian countries will host at a location yet to be announced.

“You walk into our Diplomatic Ball, which hosts around 600 people, and see everyone in their nicest clothes,” Khan says. “I mean, just for the eyes, it is a feast.”  

Andrea Khan’s Perfect Day in KC

Morning

My perfect day would include attending the Ethnic Enrichment Festival, so I’m skipping breakfast to be ready to eat my way around the world.

Cooling Off

The coconut and pineapple drink from Kenya’s vendor booth is so cool and refreshing. I’ve also recently discovered aguapanela (sugar cane cold tea) from Colombia. It is not too sweet but super delicious.

Lunch

First, we’ll stop for lunch at the Eritrean booth to try something we haven’t had before. I want to try their tsebhi derho hamli (spicy chicken stew) this year. Some sweet fried plantain from Puerto Rico would go nicely with that.

Something Sweet

At some point in time, I would have some of the American Indian frybread, which reminds me of growing up in Utah.

GO: The annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival is a celebration of the city’s rich multicultural community and takes place at Swope Park, August 15-17. Explore over 75 countries through food, music and dance. Tickets are $5 and available through the Ethnic Enrichment Commission’s website, eeckc.org. Parking is free. 

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