From Troy to Wichita: Q&A with Shane Carter

Shane Carter, Executive Director at The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM)

Q: Where are you from originally?

Shane Carter: I am originally from Troy, Ohio—born and raised in a close-knit community that helped shape my passion for service, leadership, and equity.

Q: What's your professional background?

Shane Carter: I bring to TKAAM over 13 years of experience as the Executive Director of the Lincoln Community Center in Troy, Ohio. In addition to my leadership in the nonprofit sector, I've coached high school football and basketball, and I'm an entrepreneur. I own and operate Carter's Complete Services which specialises in construction and remodeling. My wife Rachel and I also own a holding company focused on acquiring, managing, renovating, and flipping both residential and commercial real estate.

I've served on numerous statewide community boards and foundation committees with a focus on increasing access to essential resources such as education, healthcare, food security, transportation, and affordable housing. A particular area of commitment for me is leading and facilitating workforce reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, helping them reintegrate successfully into society.

Q: Were you always in community leadership?

Shane Carter: Yes. From an early age, my parents instilled in me the belief that I had a gift for leadership. I've applied that gift in every area of my life - from building teams in construction and athletics to managing nonprofit boards, organizing events and programs, and leading both grassroots and large-scale initiatives. My leadership spans the public and private sectors, always with a people-first, purpose-drive approach.

Q: What community work are you most proud of?

Shane Carter: I am most proud of the transformation of the Lincoln Community Center in my hometown of Troy. The Center began as a historic schoolhouse for African Americans in 1865 and served multiple generations as a cultural and educational hub. I attended preschool there, learned to swim, played basketball, and took part in countless youth programs.

When I returned to Troy in 2011, the Center was struggling—with limited funding, programming, and community engagement. Through hard work, collaborative leadership, and the support of the City of Troy, Troy City Schools District, Troy Foundation, Duke Foundation, Miami County Foundation, ITW Foundation, Premier Health/UVMC and others, we revitalized the Center into a $6 Million state-of-the-art campus that serves as a multi-generational hub of resources.

What I am most proud of is the number of young people—many of whom were first-generation college students—who gained access to education, healthcare, housing, and support services. These young leaders are now in sustainable careers, helping to break generational cycles of poverty.

During COVID-19, we created and tailored innovative programming to respond to the urgent needs of the community. This included providing virtual education support, expanding access to technology, organizing community feeding programs, and offering mobile and remote literacy and recreation services. We also delivered targeted programming for our aging population and facilitated COVID-19 vaccination access for low-income residents. These efforts helped bridge gaps during a critical time and kept our community connected, safe, and supported.

Q: What excites you most about moving to Wichita?

Shane Carter: I’m excited to bring my passion, energy, and experience to a new community with rich history and incredible potential. Wichita presents an opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders and make a meaningful impact—especially in uplifting and preserving African American history and culture.

Q: What drew you to The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) specifically?

Shane Carter: TKAAM’s mission aligns perfectly with my life’s work—empowering communities, educating future generations, and honoring cultural heritage. The opportunity to lead such a meaningful institution at a critical point in its journey is both humbling and deeply inspiring. I was drawn to the museum’s legacy, its impact, and its potential to serve as a beacon for Kansas and beyond.

Shane Carter with a few of TKAAM staff and a valued volunteer.

Q: What excites you most about leading TKAAM at this moment in its journey?

Shane Carter: The opportunity to help shape the future of TKAAM during a time of growth and transformation is incredibly exciting. I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and expanding our reach, programs, and partnerships in ways that honor the past while advancing equity and engagement for future generations.

Q: What role do you believe TKAAM plays in our community and state?

Shane Carter: TKAAM serves as a vital cultural institution—preserving and telling the stories of African Americans in Kansas and beyond. It is a place of education, empowerment, and reflection, where history and heritage inform progress. The museum plays an essential role in community development, cultural understanding, and social cohesion.

Q: What does “making the Kansas African American experience resonate with every Kansan” mean to you personally?

Shane Carter leading the drums in an engaging cultural experience for guests at TKAAM.

Shane Carter: It means creating connections across cultures and communities by elevating untold stories, celebrating contributions, and fostering understanding. It’s about making sure every Kansan sees the Kansas African American experience not as separate from Kansas history—but as integral to it. That’s how we build unity, pride, and progress.

Q: What is your vision for the future of The Kansas African American Museum?

Shane Carter: My vision is for TKAAM to be a premier cultural institution in the Midwest—known for its engaging exhibits, innovative programming, community outreach, and educational initiatives. I envision a museum that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and deeply rooted in history and culture, with expanded access to resources, strategic partnerships, and a legacy of impact that will resonate for generations.

Q: How can people get involved with The Kansas African American Museum?

Shane Carter: We are always ready and excited to welcome guests to the museum whether that's through group tours, individual visits, attending special events such as Senior Wednesday, or supporting through membership and donations. We want every Kansan to feel connected to the museum.

To stay updated on TKAAM's upcoming programs and initiatives, be sure to visit the museum, connect with us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter.