About Us

Our History

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.

OFFICERS

Grant Lewis
President

Andre Redd
Vice President of Membership

Christal Waters
Vice President of Programs

C.J. Warrick
Recording Secretary

Carolyn Lucas
Assistant Secretary

Veronica Ford
Corresponding Secretary

Heather Rollins
Treasurer

Olivia Ighoyivwi
Assistant Treasurer

Offie Adams
Parliamentarian

Norma McKelvy
Historian

Tony Brown
Immediate Past President

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Elton Gumbel
Golf Tournament

Dr. Alicia Dickens
Public Relations

TBA
Mentoring

Dr. Marisa Gray
Scholarship Co-Chair

Ray Christopher
Scholarship Co-Chair

TBA
Youth Leadership

Calvin Mayfield
Technology

Marshaun Butler
Officer Nominating