Community weighs in on Historic McKinney Buildings future | Mid-Missouri News [Video]

The final public input meeting for the future of the historic McKinney Building took place on Saturday.

The building, which the city of Columbia purchased in August of 2023, sits on Columbias African American Heritage Trail, which carries rich history.

The meeting on Saturday was open to the public.

During the meeting, Show Me Brass, a local jazz band, performed while attendees walked around the venue to gain insight and spark ideas for the building’s future.

After touring the venue, community members were asked to fill out a input survey which is available both on paper and on the city of Columbia’s website.

Ronecia Duke, a community member believes the McKinney Building should be a venue for African American history, art and culture to bring the community together.

“There still is a lack of opportunities. There are a lack of spaces where we can come and congregate. And that we can feel safe and that can be called our own,” …