Editor’s Note: This interview is part of an ongoing Star series highlighting Kansas Citians from historically under-represented communities and their impact on our region. The series builds on The Star’s efforts to improve coverage of local communities. Do you know someone we should interview? Share ideas with our reporter J.M. Banks.
Jeff Shafer has been involved in the Kansas City music scene since middle school. Performing under the name Flare Tha Rebel, he formed a rap group, Anti-Crew, before relocating, for ten years, to Chicago where he honed his hip-hop skills, and began a career in nonprofit education.
While working with the organization City Year as executive director, Shafer was given the chance to return to Kansas City and lead a local chapter of the nonprofit, connecting schools with mentors and tutors…