The 47th annual Black Achievers in Business and Industry Awards Ceremony will be extra special this year, with the organization’s founder Congressman Emanuel Cleaver on hand for the celebration.
At the banquet, to be held Thurs., June 16, 7 p.m. at the Kansas City Regional Police Academy, 14 achievers will be presented there awards.
In 1974 Cleaver founded the not-for-profit Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City to honor African Americans in business and industry. in 1993, in addition to acknowledging African American Business professionals, the organization also began providing scholarships to area youth.
“When I founded the Black Achievers Society nearly five decades ago, I never could have imagined the profound impact it would have on the African-American community in Kansas City. After 47 years, what was once just an idea in my mind has blossomed into the critical consortium of industry leaders and businesses we celebrate today,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver.
In addition to recognizing this year’s 14 achiever inductees, the companies they represent will also be recognized for their support and dedication to the mission of the Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City. This year’s high school scholarship recipients will also be recognized during the banquet.
“Having Congressman Cleaver in attendance to witness the impact of his legacy is a very special component; making this night an awesome night as we recognize Achievers and Scholars,” said Grant Michael Lewis, president of the Black Achiever’s Society of Kansas City.
In addition to fostering collaboration between high achieving African American business professionals who are invested in the community the Achiever have a long program history of providing leadership development exposure and scholarships to area youth.
“As the Black community and Black-owned businesses seek to rebuild from the catastrophic COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Achievers Society is needed now more than ever. As long as this organization centers its focus on educating and providing leader.