The Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City was founded in 1974 by former Kansas City Mayor, and now United States Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. At that time, the goal of the organization was to recognize those companies in Business and Industry that demonstrated leadership in the areas of diversity and inclusion through their commitment to a diverse workforce.
A dinner was held in their honor, usually in the spring. In 1989 the award dinner was incorporated into the Martin Luther King Celebration hosted by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Later in 1993, the organization in addition to acknowledging African American Business professionals also began providing scholarships to area youth.
Today, the Black Achievers Society is active in the community as it works to provide annual scholarships to area high school seniors. The Society, in addition to fostering collaboration between high achieving African American business professionals who are invested in our communities, also provides leadership development exposure and scholarships to area youth.
The society meets regularly to support these much needed efforts in our community and is always looking for additional efforts to support.
OUR MISSION
To actively respond to the educational, social, and economic needs of the community by providing role models for Blacks and minority youth, sharing knowledge gained through academic and corporate experiences and enhancing the principles upon which the society was founded.
YOUTH
The organization continues to deliver on its’ primary objective of helping deserving minority students realize their dream of a college education. However, we believe getting these students into college is just one part of a larger need.
We strive to prepare them to thrive both in college, and afterwards, as a professional. Our active role in the community includes providing an advisory board, workshops, and mentoring for high school students that help them develop the requisite ‘life-skills’ to succeed.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
Our compelling action to serve the youth of our community comes not only in the interaction with the Youth Advisory Board but in the energy and excitement of nearly 200 high school students who participate in the annual Youth Leadership Development Workshop. It is an opportunity to inspire and encourage leadership competencies. Members of Black Achievers serve as Mentors and Insight Session presenters.
Kansas City Black Achievers Society sponsors a Youth Leadership Development Workshop in recognition of the Martin Luther King Celebration.
Our goal is to have high school students with diverse ethnicities representing Kansas and Missouri School Districts, Charter and Private Schools. Potential attendees are encouraged to participate in workshop discussions and be willing to interact and connect with students from other schools. There is a great benefit to inviting our future leaders to the discussion on relevant topics that impact and influence their decision-making skills. Our mission and goal is to support and connect with the youth helping them to advance their mission and goals.
Here are the details for the 2023 Youth Leadership Development Workshop!
