KC musician, entrepreneur, headed to White House for roundtable with VP Kamala Harris

A Kansas City musician and entrepreneur is going to the White House on Tuesday for a roundtable discussion with Vice President Kamala Harris focused on entrepreneurship among young men of color.

Kemet Coleman is a Kansas City musician and entrepreneur and is part of the team behind Vine Street Brewing, the Black-owned brewery expected to open later this year on 18th and Vine.

Coleman has attempted to open a brewery at least three times in the eight years since he began participating the in craft brewing industry, but saw his other attempts fall through. Only 0.4% of brewery owners are Black, according to a 2021 survey by the Brewers Association.

“I look forward to connecting with the Vice President and other entrepreneurs of color who strive to become both inspirations and catalysts of change in their communities,” Coleman said. “As someone who has dedicated their career to strengthening the cultural identity of Kansas City, this is simply a dream come true.”

Coleman, who is also a rapper and the frontman of a 10-piece band called the Phantastics, was behind the song “Get Out,” which was an ode to the KC Streetcar’s opening in 2016.

He’s being sent to Washington by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.

“I am proud to send Kemet to represent Kansas City at the White House and share his story of entrepreneurial success with the Vice President to help improve outcomes for Black entrepreneurs nationwide,” Lucas said in a press release. “Kemet’s work helps bring investment to our urban core and creative community, connecting Kansas Citians through his business ventures ranging from entertainment to brewing.”