KANSAS CITY, Mo — In efforts to bring the Latino community together and bridge divides created by the construction of Interstate 35, the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation partnered with Leo Moreno's Boxing Club to create "First Fridays Under the Bridge."
I-35, which was constructed several decades ago, effectively divided a tight-knit Latino neighborhood, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
"Over the past two years, we've been hosting First Fridays underneath the I-35 bridge right here at the intersection of Avenida Cesar Chavez and I-35, which is historically a marker for the Westside community — which is a Latino settled community — and other immigrants over the years," said Pedro Zamora, executive director of the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation.
For many, the bridge served as a symbol of division. But now, it has brought hundreds of residents from the neighborhood and beyond, all eager to support the message of unity while enjoying a thrilling night of amateur boxing.
"The highway came through in the 60s and took out several hundred homes that displaced residents from the community, as well as isolated this community from the economic development and commerce that was taking place just east of us, called the Crossroads area, in other main parts of the city," Zamora said.
The event features a festive atmosphere with live music, food vendors serving delicious traditional dishes and a true sense of community pride.
“Our goal is to revitalize this area and make it something that can be a year-round platform for vending entertainment, like the boxing match we had," Zamora said.
The main event was the boxing matches held under the bridge. Participants from the neighborhood and nearby areas showcased their skills in the ring, receiving cheers and applause from the enthusiastic crowd.
Boxer Malachi Ross said being able to take center stage in his hometown was a feeling he will always remember.
"It just feels good because I finally get to; I don't really fight in my hometown," Ross said. "So I get the chance to, you know, show off my skills and my talent to other people that are from here, and my supporters and my family, so I feel good about that.”
Surrounded by dozens from the community and in a not-so-typical boxing setting, Albert Guardado Jr. said the experience was like no other.
"It means a lot, especially during Hispanic National Day," Guardado said. "So, you know, I do it for them; I do it for Mexico. I do my thing and get there."
First Fridays Under the Bridge is planned to be a recurring event with the aim of fostering ongoing community engagement.
"We're just going to sit back and listen to the community over the next couple of months and then start planning early and come up with some really neat stuff for them," Zamora said.
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