2026 Annual Awards Ceremony
Awards Dinner History
Originally held in the spring, the dinner served as an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and uplift professionals whose work exemplified excellence, integrity, and commitment to the advancement of the Black community.
The honorees were not only successful in their respective industries but also active in service, mentorship, and advocacy.
In 1989, the Black Achievers in Business and Industry Annual Awards dinner evolved to become part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, hosted by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), aligning the recognition of Black achievement with the legacy of Dr. King and further emphasizing the connection between professional success and social progress.
Newspaper article headline: 11 Black Achievers Honored at Chamber-SCLC Banquet, 1975
Today, this proud legacy continues through the Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City as the Annual Awards Ceremony, recognized as one of the region’s most anticipated gatherings. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and empowerment, the ceremony has expanded to honor the accomplishments and future aspirations of selected Youth Scholars and their families.
It also pays tribute to the enduring impact of past and present honorees. By bringing together corporate partners, community leaders, and youth, the event celebrates not only individual achievements but also the lasting legacy of collective progress and community advancement.
Over the decades, the Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City has expanded in purpose and scope. Beyond honoring leaders, it now supports mentorship programs, youth engagement, and scholarship opportunities that invest in the future of the community.
This event remains a powerful testament to the enduring vision of its founder and to the ongoing commitment of the Society to highlight, support, and celebrate Black excellence in all its forms.
We thank you for your support, we welcome you to take part in the Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City Annual Awards Ceremony.
2025 Annual Awards Celebration at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
the event
The Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City welcomes you to the Boone Theater (parking) where the induction ceremony, reception, and annual awards ceremony will take place, October 10, 2026.
Induction Ceremony
5:00 PM
Black Achievers reception
5:30 PM
annual awards ceremony
6:00 PM
Each Black Achiever inductee is expected to attend the private induction ceremony, where they will formally accept their membership into the society. This closed ceremony serves as the official welcome for the new class of inductees.
Corporate sponsors, newly inductees and their families are invited to attend the open reception, during which corporate sponsors will be formally recognized and honored for their generous support.
The doors will open for the commencement of the Annual Awards Ceremony, a distinguished event honoring the newly inducted Black Achievers with a sit-down dinner. Evening attire is business casual and business formal.
attending the event
The Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City shares the evening in celebration of Corporate Sponsors and Nominees. Please view and complete your corresponding action. Feel free to contact us directly at blackachieversgkc@gmail.com
Attendance requires an RSVP for all guests/attendees.
Corporate Sponsors
As a corporate sponsors, we thank you for your support and participation in the Annual Awards Ceremony. To learn more about event sponsorship or BAS sponsorship support levels, please click here. To attend, there are 3 step which must be completed:
1. Select/Name representative to accept Corporate Award during reception.
2. Upload company logo (png or high resolution jpeg)
3. Make reservation for all corporate attendees below. Reservation should be for up to 5 corporate guests only (first and last names). Please do not to include nominee or their guests, as they will have a separate RSVP up to 5 guests/attendees.
Note: All guests must RSVP.
Nominees
As a nominee, we congratulate you on your achievements, service, and contributions. As a participant in the Annual Awards Ceremony, please take action on the following four steps:
1. Upload short answers to the following 3 questions:
1) When I was young, I dreamt of being…
2) One thing that most people don’t know about me is…
3) If given the power and resources, what change would you make in this world and why
2. Upload professional biography:
Order of narrative:
1. Title/Primary responsibilities/length of time at organization (1 paragraph).
2. Education (degree title, school/university name, location and certifications) (1 paragraph).
3. Professional contributions (Volunteerism, other affiliations/organizations, family) (1-2 paragraphs).
3. Upload professional headshot: png or jpeg file
4. Make reservation for you and up to 5 guests/attendees (first and last names) below.
Please note: All guests must RSVP.
Guest - RSVP
RSVP covers one admission to the BAS Annual Awards Ceremony. RSVP provides admission to one guest. Admission for guests begins at 6:00 PM.
Boone Theater
1701 E 18TH STREET | KANSAS CITY, MO 64108
https://www.boonetheaterkc.com/
Corporate - RSVP
RSVP will admit one to the BAS Awards Ceremony, as Corporate member. Admission for Corporate Member recognition begins at 5:30 PM.
Boone Theater
1701 E 18TH STREET | KANSAS CITY, MO 64108
https://www.boonetheaterkc.com/
Inductee - RSVP
RSVP provides admission to one Inductee. Guests of BAS Inductee will RSVP separately. Admission for Inductee begins at 5:00 PM.
Boone Theater
1701 E 18TH STREET | KANSAS CITY, MO 64108
https://www.boonetheaterkc.com/