Community Highlights: Meet Dontavious Young of Equal Minded Cafe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dontavious Young

Hi Dontavious, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When Dontavious Young opened Equal Minded Cafe in 2018, his mission was far greater than brewing coffee—it was about blending ideas and building community. Inspired by personal loss and systemic challenges, Young created a space on 4327 Troost Avenue to break barriers and foster connections in Kansas City.

Rooted in Resilience
The cafe’s mission is deeply personal. At 13, Young tragically lost his best friend to violence, a turning point that inspired his commitment to equity and justice. Raised between Kansas City and Iowa, he witnessed racial division and systemic disparities, motivating him to create a space for healing and empowerment.

Thriving Against the Odds
Equal Minded Cafe faced immense challenges during the pandemic but emerged stronger, thanks to the unwavering support of its “ride-or-die” regulars. A $30,000 grant from Kansas City G.I.F.T. became a transformative moment, enabling improvements like a new bartop and an expanded menu. “It’s changed so much for us,” Young shared, reflecting on how this investment propelled the cafe toward growth.

A Catalyst for Community
More than a coffee shop, Equal Minded Cafe is a hub for creativity and connection. From hosting 420-friendly paint nights to late-night open mic competitions, Young creates spaces where all feel welcome, especially introverts and creatives. Beyond events, he supports local entrepreneurs by offering the cafe as a platform for pop-up sales, sometimes free of charge. “I just care about seeing people win,” Young explained. “It’s not a lot of money, but it’s a lot of wealth.”

A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Young aims to expand his impact by launching a nonprofit that helps public high school students earn college credit through business strategy coursework. At the same time, Equal Minded Cafe will remain a cornerstone of the community, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

A Hub for Kansas City’s Warriors
“What’s so great about Kansas City is that warriors are here,” Young said. Equal Minded Cafe is more than a business—it’s a sanctuary for those fighting for change. With each cup of chai and every event, the cafe continues to unite and uplift, proving that equity and connection are as vital as the coffee it serves.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The Struggles of Building a Dream on Troost Avenue

Owning a small business is never easy, but for me, as a young Black man who opened Equal Minded Cafe at just 20 years old, it’s been a journey defined by challenges that go far beyond brewing coffee. From systemic barriers to personal sacrifices, I’ve faced hurdles that most people can’t imagine, and many continue to this day.

Fighting for Respect as a Young Black Entrepreneur
Starting a business as a 20-year-old Black man came with its own set of prejudices. Many of my peers didn’t share my mindset or understand the sacrifices I had to make for success. On top of that, being taken seriously was a constant battle. People judged me for the way I dressed, expecting an “owner” to show up in high-end clothing and live a luxurious lifestyle. But the reality is far from what society assumes.

Entrepreneurship isn’t the glamorous dream people make it out to be. Sure, I’m my own boss, but that comes at the cost of stability. A steady paycheck, paid bills, and leaving work at work at the end of the day are luxuries I don’t have. Every month is a scramble to cover overhead, pay my employees, and still figure out how to keep the lights on at home. People praise me for “being my own boss,” but they don’t see the anxiety of figuring out how I’ll make it all work during slow seasons or the mental toll it takes to sustain a business in an industry with razor-thin margins.

Limited Choices, Endless Barriers
People often assume I chose this path purely for the “high risk, high reward” of being an entrepreneur. What they don’t know is that it wasn’t a choice as much as it was survival. Growing up in Iowa, I was trapped in a predatory criminal justice system that loves to ruin young men’s lives. By 18, I had felonies for marijuana possession and a laundry list of petty misdemeanors. Those charges weren’t just stains on my record—they were shackles. They kept me from renting a home, applying for meaningful jobs, or even voting. Iowa’s system dehumanized me and left me with no options but to create my own.

Missouri gave me a second chance. Here, people are more willing to see beyond criminal records, and the opportunities were better. But starting a business on Troost Avenue still came with its own set of challenges that others who were on this road before the Development rushed in, can relate to.

Gentrification and Being Overshadowed
In 2018, when I opened Equal Minded Café people called me crazy for starting a business on Troost—one of the most historically redlined streets in America. Troost was infamous, a dividing line between races and wealth, created by Kansas City developer J.C. Nichols to enforce segregation. Many, especially white customers, said they were scared to visit. Now, those same people frequent two new coffee shops that have opened within half a mile of us. These competitors, backed by far more money and resources, have copied many of our methods to reach the same demographics we fought to build relationships with. They overshadow us with their expensive menus, glass jars for their coffee, large roasting machines, brand-new parking lots with expensive plants and trees, and overall polished aesthetics, making it harder for us to survive because we are compared to them consistently and expected to “improve” to their standards. These competitors are not from this neighborhood, they would not have moved their coffee business here if they hadn’t seen our success on Troost first, and most of all, they have no history of being inclusive or focused on social justice whatsoever, but somehow they changed their scheme and added that into their business model when they saw it was why we were successful in this area.

This is how gentrification works—not just in housing but in small businesses. We started this space to serve the community, and now wealthier competitors threaten to take it away and change the community into their own simply because “It was the cheapest option” – Oddly Correct.

City Policies That Hurt, Not Help
On top of these struggles, Kansas City’s government does little to nothing to support small businesses like mine. The city is laser-focused on securing corporate contracts and growing the population, while independent businesses are left to fend for themselves. The high taxes, endless fees, and expensive permits are an added weight on our already strained finances. During the winter months, the pandemic, and other slow periods, these costs have nearly crushed us.

The irony is that we’re not just a coffee shop—we’re a community hub. We host events, provide opportunities for small businesses, and foster equity in a city that still bears the scars of redlining. Yet, the system doesn’t reward these contributions. It punishes them.

The Weight of the Past
Operating a business on Troost means carrying the weight of history. Redlining shaped this street, this city, and the barriers we face every day. J.C. Nichols’ policies created lasting inequalities, and decades later, we’re still fighting the consequences. Troost is no longer just a dividing line—it’s a battleground for progress. And while I’m proud of the work we’ve done, the fight is far from over.

Why I Keep Going
Despite everything—the systemic challenges, financial struggles, and personal sacrifices—I keep going. I keep going for the warriors in Kansas City who inspire me, for the customers who support us even when times are tough, and for the next generation of Black entrepreneurs who need to know that it’s possible to break barriers, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Equal Minded Café isn’t just a business; it’s a testament to resilience, a beacon for change, and proof that even in the face of adversity, we can create spaces that unite, heal, and inspire. But we need more than praise—we need support. Because no business, no entrepreneur, and no community can survive on passion alone.

As you know, we’re big fans of Equal Minded Cafe. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Equal Minded Cafe is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a hub for community, culture, and connection. Located in the heart of Kansas City on historic Troost Avenue, our mission is to bring people together from all walks of life to spark conversations and foster relationships that break down systemic barriers. Since 2018, we’ve strived to create an inclusive and welcoming space where diversity thrives, and the power of collaboration takes center stage.

What We Do & Specialize In
We specialize in brewing much more than coffee. While our chai lattes and specialty drinks are community favorites, Equal Minded Cafe is also known for being a gathering place for Kansas City’s creatives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. We host events that highlight the arts, support local businesses, and encourage meaningful discussions about equity and justice. From 420-friendly paint nights to late-night open mics, we’ve designed our offerings to bring out the best in our community and make everyone feel seen and valued.

What Sets Us Apart
What makes us different is our unapologetic focus on people. While other cafes might just sell coffee, we actively work to support the dreams of those around us. We partner with local entrepreneurs and small business owners, offering our space as a platform for pop-ups and events. Sometimes we even waive fees because we care more about seeing others win than making a quick buck.

We’re also intentional about the environment we’ve created. Our location on Troost Avenue—once the dividing line for segregation in Kansas City—reflects our mission to bring people together, especially in communities that have historically been overlooked or underserved. Equal Minded Cafe is a safe, creative space for everyone, especially for Black and minority communities.

What We’re Most Proud Of
Brand-wise, we’re proud to stand for equity, resilience, and collaboration. Every cup of coffee we serve is a testament to our commitment to building something that lasts. Surviving the pandemic, overcoming systemic challenges, and continuing to grow despite limited resources and increasing competition—those are our victories. But what we’re most proud of is being a hub for the warriors in our community—people who are fighting for change, for inclusion, and for opportunity. We’ve become a space that champions them and amplifies their voices.

What We Want You to Know
Equal Minded Cafe isn’t just a place to grab a latte—it’s a movement. It’s a place where your dollars directly support initiatives that uplift local entrepreneurs, provide platforms for underrepresented voices, and nurture a more equitable Kansas City. Whether it’s enjoying our renowned chai, attending an event, or simply sitting down to chat, every interaction at Equal Minded Cafe contributes to something greater.

If you’re looking for a space that embodies authenticity, passion, and purpose, Equal Minded Cafe is the place to be. We invite you to stop by, experience the vibe, and join us in creating lasting connections that transcend coffee.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
At Equal Minded Café, everything we’ve built and everything we stand for is deeply rooted in community and family. This journey is not just my story—it’s the story of a collective effort, of people who believed in me, my vision, and the power of what we could accomplish together.

The Power of Community
First and foremost, I owe an immense amount of gratitude to the community that has supported me since day one. Starting a coffee shop on Troost Avenue wasn’t just a business decision—it was a leap of faith. Many called me crazy, some said it wouldn’t work, but the people who truly understood what we were trying to build showed up. From our regulars who kept us going during the pandemic to the neighbors who embraced us as part of the fabric of this street, Equal Minded Café exists because of you. Your support has allowed us not just to survive but to thrive, to push boundaries, and to become a space that serves as a bridge in a city still healing from its history.

This credit extends to the broader Ubuntu Village community. Ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are,” captures the essence of everything we stand for. The support and shared vision of Ubuntu Village have been instrumental in giving Equal Minded Café its home and foundation. You’ve all built more than just a physical space—you’ve built a legacy.

A Grandmother’s Belief
None of this would have been possible without my grandmother, Dr. Vicky Smith. Her faith in me, despite my past, is what gave me the courage to take this chance. She saw something in me when I struggled to see it in myself. My grandmother has dedicated her life to education, equity, and building opportunities for others, and her vision for Ubuntu Village inspired me to create a space where those same values could flourish. Without her willingness to give me a second chance, despite the weight of my criminal record and the setbacks I’d faced, I would never have had this opportunity to lead, grow, and give back to the community.

Her belief in my potential means more than I can ever put into words. Watching her work tirelessly to build Ubuntu Village, pouring her heart into every detail, has shown me what it means to truly dedicate yourself to something larger than yourself. This space isn’t just hers or mine—it’s a reflection of her lifetime of values and the sacrifices she’s made for us all.

A Mother’s Support
I also owe so much to my mother, who has been an unwavering pillar of support for both my grandmother and me. My mom has been there every step of the way, whether it was encouraging us to keep pushing forward, helping behind the scenes with countless hours of work, or simply being our biggest cheerleader when times got tough. She has sacrificed so much for this vision—our vision—and her belief in us has carried me through some of my darkest moments.

Both my grandmother and my mother have shown me what resilience, love, and leadership look like in their truest forms. They’ve supported me in ways that few others could, and everything we’ve accomplished with Equal Minded Café is as much their victory as it is mine.

Why This Matters
When people walk through the doors of Equal Minded Café, they aren’t just stepping into a coffee shop. They’re stepping into a space built on the shoulders of our family members and the people of KC, who fought for equity and opportunity on Troost / The East side of Kansas City. They’re stepping into a vision shaped by a community that saw value in what we were creating and supported us when the odds were stacked against us.

The gratitude I feel—for my community, my grandmother, and my mother—is what drives me to keep going, even when the road feels impossible. This café is more than a business; it’s a testament to the belief that second chances are real, that family and community can overcome anything, and that when people come together, they can create something truly extraordinary.

Pricing:

• KC’s Best Chai Latte – $6
• Honey Lavender Matcha – $6
• Black Drip Coffee – $2
• Hot Honey, Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Melt – $12 (Includes Chips, Salsa, and Avocado)
• San Francisco Melt – $12

Contact Info:

• Website: https://equalmindedcafe.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/equalmindedcafe
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/equalmindedcafe
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/equal-minded-cafe-kansas-city-4