The Mutual Musicians Foundation Local No. 627 in Kansas City, MO was established in 1917 providing essential services and support of African American jazz musicians. The union helped protect musicians and provide good wages and performance standards. In 1930, under the leadership of the elected president of the union William Shaw, the union purchased the brick duplex building at 1823 Highland Avenue, near 18th & Vine in Kansas City, Mo. Musicians held a benefit dance at Paseo Hall to raise money to acquire the location. It was converted into a dance hall and clubhouse, making this building a home for many jazz musicians to meet, socialize, rehearse, and perform with each other. On April 1, 1970, Union 627 was forced to merge with the white Union 34 by order of the national headquarters of the American Federation of Musicians, bringing Union 627 to a close. The photo shows two African American men sitting on the front stairs of the Musicians Association Building Local No. 627.