This past Sunday, the Oasis International Church was the site of a heartwarming surprise for four long-time pillars of the local community. Alvin Brooks, Carl Boyd, Evangelist Ester Holzendorf, and Jim “Grand Dad” Nunnelly were all lured to the church thinking they were honoring someone else, only to receive honors and words of praise themselves.
“All you knew about this, and nobody told me anything,” said a surprised Ester Holzendorf. “I feel your spirit, I feel your energy, and I am so grateful.”
The nonprofit Concerned Clergy Coalition of Kansas City orchestrated the event to “give flowers” to these senior leaders while they were still able to receive them. The four were honored for their decades of service and contributions to Kansas City with moving tributes from the community.
“I’m grateful that we don’t have to wait until funerals to give people their roses,” said Rev. Michael Brooks, pastor of Oasis International and president of the Concerned Clergy Coalition. “I want to make it a point that if we have something great to say, say it before they leave.”
The celebration, which attendees had been sworn to secrecy about beforehand, recognized the immense impact these four have had through their work with youth, civil rights, community development, and more.
About the Honorees
- Alvin Brooks — A revered civic leader born in 1932, Brooks has served as mayor pro tem, board of police commissioners president, and city councilman while mentoring countless young people. Brooks also founded the AdHoc Group Against Crime and has received countless awards, including being named one of America’s 1000 Points of Light in 1989.
- Carl Boyd —The former educator created the pioneering “Generation Rap” radio show in 1987 to give urban teens a voice and platform. He continues mentoring youth through the Synergy Services’ Youth Resiliency Center and other initiatives.
- Evangelist Ester Holzendorf — The fearless activist founded organizations like Sankofa for Kansas City and Consolidated Social Workers. Known as “a force to be reckoned with,” she tirelessly works to feed the homeless, fight injustice, and strengthen underserved neighborhoods.
- Jim “Grand Dad” Nunnelly—Nunnelly has also worn several hats. He is a retired healthcare executive and the founder and administrator of Jackson County COMBAT, a progressive anti-drug program that emphasizes treatment over prison terms for drug use. For years, he was known as the host of Generation Rap, a Saturday morning youth program that he took over for Carl Boyd.
“It is profound that I am being honored and allowed to share this platform with people who have done so much in so many different ways,” said Carl Boyd.
Each of the members who were honored are now octogenarians—meaning they are in their 80s—with the exception of Alvin Brooks, who is 92. Brooks has also been fighting cancer recently.
“I don’t ask God for too much, I’m too busy thanking Him,” said Alvin Brooks at the event.
The afternoon was filled with powerful remarks, cheers, and standing ovations as these four pillars of KC’s Black community received a truly fitting “thank you” for their lifetimes of selfless service.
“There is talk of passing the baton from these beloved ones,” said Janay Reliford, Chair of the KC Reparations Coalition. “I know I can’t carry the collective work of these individuals alone, none of us can.”
Paper batons were passed to members of the audience, and the crowd was encouraged to raise their batons in the air and say in unison, ‘We’ve got this.’
Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Thank you for being there and your kind words of support. I have lived long enough and seen enough to know, nobody has to do anything for anybody, and I am so grateful for those who thought enough of us to honor our work in this way. The Ancestors gave us the ladder, and we are trying to make sure there are others coming up that ladder, to help make this world a better place. You are “THE VOICE”, and I appreciate you!! Keep on keeping on!!