MU's Choi Mun, COMO Police Jill Schlude, and Flat Branch Jim Yankeeillegally colluding to evicting specific downtown businesses to gentrify and to "take back our downtown."
Race Matters, Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Columbia, Missouri (CoMo) dedicated to advocating for racial equity, challenging structural inequality, and promoting social justice.
They have recently just got records from Flat Branch, the city, and Choi Mun that shows they are colluding to illegally evict downtown businesses that dont fit with their image of what type of people should not just own businesses downtown, but the type of people that should be allowed downtown.
FB post - https://i.imgur.com/VxpjXuT.png
I just want to say that Mun Choi has been having some interesting conversations with Jim Yankee of Flat Branch Bank and Chief of Police Jill Schlude (and her Deputy Chief) about shutting down certain businesses on Walnut Street. It goes beyond mere discussion. Now, I have many issues that concern me, and these are just two to move the conversation along, but the police chief, who is copied on a series of emails, is not refuting Mun Choi's narrative. This afternoon, CPD is presenting its Downtown Crime Trends data, and as I posted earlier, the City and MU are deeply invested in a particular narrative that blames Black business owners on Walnut. I think the Mayor and council need to ask deeper, more critical questions. In the meantime, I requested records from the UM system ($330.50) and CPD ($395.00). I am sharing the amounts because, as I told reporters, they need to dig deeper and get records. As for the City, why is our police chief engaged in this kind of prattlle with Mun Choi and some misguided folks? Our elected officials need to demand answers. Unfortunately, some of our media have aided and abetted racist talk and allegations -- and it needs to stop. Everyone needs to hold elected and administrative leaders accountable.
Just one of the emails - Jim Yankee to Mun Choi et. al including the police chief - https://i.imgur.com/orFLJ5o.jpeg
August 12, 2026 -- go back and review the headlines (https://i.imgur.com/ZxEcHK7.jpeg)
"Thanks, everyone. I’m going to have Corrie Sorrells from my office send out a Zoom invite for 8/19 at 2pm Central
It works with Mun's schedule, although Chief Schlude will be out of town. She’ll have her Deputy Chief get on, and we can bring her up to speed after.
On the tenants/leases, I'd be more than happy to have my attorneys take a look at them and maybe suggest some outs.
I would also personally cover any losses and legal expenses if you do get sued as a result of evicting a tenant prematurely.
This issue is bigger than money and has very serious consequences for our community and university. Whatever it takes, let's get our downtown back.
I'm looking forward to our conversation. Thanks again"
Jim Yankee
Board Chairman
Flat Branch Home Loans
Choi's response - https://i.imgur.com/tjoziGR.jpeg
