Mayor Lucas’ Q39 collab aims to help Kansas City victims of violence with barbecue | Opinion

Mayor Q is two for two.

Years ago, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and I met at M&M Bakery & Deli. Lucas, a city councilman at the time, told me the Black-owned local eatery at East 31st Street and Brooklyn Avenue boasted delicious sandwiches and baked goods. He wasn’t kidding.

I moved to Kansas City in 2007. Until Lucas’ recommendation in 2019 during his mayoral campaign, I’d never experienced the delicacy of a Hook ‘Em Up sandwich, M&M’s signature hoagie. Four years later, I am still a fan of the pepper beef and turkey ham-based sub.

My goodness, my mouth waters just thinking about the onion roll, lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo and other condiments — available upon request — included on the Hook ‘Em Up.

But that’s a story for another day. A second food recommendation from Lucas, the aptly named Mayor “Q” 39, is equally tasty. The smoked brisket and pimento grilled cheese sandwich is available this month only at Q39 barbecue restaurant in Kansas City.

In honor of Lucas’ 39th birthday on Aug. 19, he partnered with Q39 to raise money for a nonprofit of his choosing.

Proceeds from sales of the Mayor “Q” 39 will benefit Corey’s Network, “an organization that works to provide immediate support, advocacy and services to surviving victims of homicide in the Kansas City metropolitan area,” according to a news release from the mayor’s office.

Raising money to help victims of violent crime

“This is a great opportunity for Corey’s Network and a great opportunity for the community to support homicide victims in the KC metro,” said Michelle Norris, co-founder of Corey’s Network. The organization receives all of its funding through donations, Norris said.

“So this will be a huge boost to our ability to provide services to this community,” she said.

With 127 homicides through this week, “this organization is needed more than ever,” the news release continued.

Why Corey’s Network?

“I am tired of thoughts and prayers,” the mayor said. “We talk to families of homicide victims all the time. There are some very real funeral expenses.”

After going through the criminal justice process — if you’re lucky to find justice, that is — you are on your own, Lucas said. “Where is your support?”

During a recent visit to Q39’s midtown location at 1000 W. 39th St., I sampled the hearty, creamy concoction. The brisket was tender and flavorful. With each bite, cheese with a hint of spice oozed from the side of the buttery toasted bread.

The sammy was, ahem, finger-licking good and well worth the 13 bucks (almost $15 with tax) I shelled out. If you go to Q39 for the mayor’s dream sandwich — and you should — make sure to tip the servers.

The name is derived from Lucas’ nickname, Mayor Q. Before my trip, Lucas likened the taste to a tangy grilled cheese sandwich. Again, he was spot on with his suggestion. Nom nom.

“Imagine a grilled cheese sandwich with hot sauce and brisket,” Lucas said. “It gives me that vibe.” Me too, Mayor Lucas, me too.

Comforting those who grew up disadvantaged

Although I am about 10 years older than Lucas, the mayor and I share a similar background. We were both raised by single mothers in hardscrabble areas of urban America.

We were both first-generation college students. Along our journey to adulthood, we’ve seen close friends, associates and loved ones lose their lives to gun violence or end up in the penitentiary.

Several of our peers struggled with drug addiction, alcoholism or mental health challenges. Making it out of that environment wasn’t easy, Lucas said. Seeing the age of 39 (or, in my case, 49) is a blessing, he said. I could hardly disagree.

“I am lucky and blessed,” Lucas, a first-time father of a young child, told me recently. “How many Black men born in the circumstances we were are not here today or find themselves in challenging situations? Until I had my child, I thought, ‘I ain’t gonna be around.’

“Getting a little older, I made it over that fear. But, this is not just a countdown to 40.”

Lucas worked with Q39 chef Philip Thompson to create the sandwich. During my visit — and in between bites — I asked him: Why a pimento cheese sandwich with brisket?

His answer was reassuring for families of homicide victims here and everywhere.

“What’s more comforting than a grilled cheese sandwich?” Thompson said.

On this day, not one single thing, Chef. Not one.

Through the first week and a half of the promotion, more than 200 sandwiches were sold, according to the mayor’s office. Will you or your family be next in line?