Community event returns Saturday with scholarships, local honorees, and a panel on “Visions of Liberation.”
The Unified Government (UG) and its Black History Committee will welcome residents to the 34th Annual Black History and Scholarship Celebration this Saturday, February 28, at Memorial Hall in downtown Kansas City, Kansas. The program will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features scholarship presentations, entertainment, and a community panel built around this year’s theme: Visions of Liberation: Honoring the Past, Reimagining the Future.
This year’s theme highlights four pillars: community initiatives, resiliency, sustainability, and the power of storytelling. Guests can expect a morning of networking, local performances, and a catered brunch before hearing from several community leaders.
Panelists include Judge Karen Arnold-Burger, Amanda Hamon, director of the Wyandotte County Historical Museum, Nakia Hope, president of the Concerned Citizens for Old Quindaro, and Craig Moore, founder and executive director of Black Excellence Inc.
Committee Chair Deasiray Bush shared that the group is excited to bring people together to celebrate Black History Month, support students, and recognize local leadership. She noted that the gathering continues a long tradition of honoring stories across Wyandotte County and raising scholarship funds for Kansas City, Kansas students.
This year’s celebration colors are navy blue, light blue, and tan as a tribute to fallen law enforcement officers. During the program, the Committee will award scholarships to students attending Kansas City Kansas Community College and Donnelly College.
The Committee will also honor several community members and businesses:
Community Business Award Honorees
- DJ Joe of KCK
- Donnell’s Kitchen of KCK
Legendary Community Icon Award
- Bonita Gooch of The Community Voice newspaper
Tickets remain available for individuals or table sponsors. Individual tickets cost 110 dollars and include appetizers, a buffet brunch, and drink tickets. Table sponsorships provide seating for eight and recognition in the printed program and event slides. Proceeds support local scholarships, and additional donations are welcomed at wycokck.org/BHC.
