The Kansas Black Leadership Council is back with their leadership brunch series. The brunches include engaging leadership discussions, inspirational speakers, networking opportunities and a brunch buffet.
This year’s brunches, which are held on Saturday as a way to make the events more accessible to everyone, will be held in Wichita, Junction City, Olathe, Topeka and Lawrence.
Individuals who take time out of their Saturday morning hear a short but important motivational message on engaging as a leader and about opportunities to do so and they get an opportunity to network with other leaders and future leaders. ,
Organizers say, everyone is welcome because everyone is a leader or has potential to lead
“One of the things that’s really big and important for KBLC is that leadership is not necessarily a position,” said Stacey Knoell, Kansas Black Leadership Council president. “Leadership is something that anyone can do. If you have a title or don’t have a title — from any position, a person can lead.”
The brunches are more than a meal, they provide an opportunity for individuals from across the state to gather to inspire change and make connections.
In addition to attending a luncheon nearest you, Knoell suggests stretching out to attend a brunch in another part of the state.
“The brunches provide an excellent opportunity for individuals to connect with individuals and leaders from across the state,” said Knoell.
Here are the dates and locations for this year’s brunches:
June 28 Wichita, The Granduer Event Center, 413 Greenwood.
Keynote: Mark Dupree, Wyandotte County District Attorney
A dynamic orator, Dupree is the first Black District Attorney and the first African American to serve as president of the Kansas Bar Association
July 12 Junction City, J.C. Opera House, Montgomery Hall
Keynote: Chris Kennedy, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Kennedy is the only African American serving in Gov. Laura Kelly’s cabinet.
Aug. 23 Olathe, Imagine, 620 N. Lindenwood Dr.
Keynote: Micah Kubic, Executive Director of the ACLU of Kansas
POWERFUL – Even if you’re heard Kubic speak before, you’re in for a treat
Sept. 6 Topeka, Sixth Avenue Ballroom, Suite 301
Keynote: Micah Kubic
Oct. 11 Lawrence, Location not confirmed
Speaker: Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace is president and chief executive officer of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
As head of this powerful philanthropic organization, Burns-Wallace is a champion for equity in education, entrepreneurship, and community advancement.
All brunches are from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and tickets are $15. To reserve your space go to https://www.kansasblc.org/kblcbrunch.
About KBLC
The Kansas Black Leadership Council was formed in Wichita in 2015 by a small group of community leaders who recognized the need for African Americans to advocate on issues affecting our communities on a statewide level. The organization conducts an annual survey and visits with Black Kansans to better understand their issues and concerns. They use this information to help prioritize and direct their legislative advocacy.
The signature event for the organization is their Kansas Black Legislative Day at the Capitol, held in partnership with the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, the State NAACP, the Kansas Black Legislative Caucus and The Community Voice.
