In celebration of Black History Month, Friends of Yates, Inc. will host its 46th Annual Black Men & Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Forest Grove Baptist Church, 1417 N. 9th St., Kansas City, Kansas.
The annual event honors 20 African American leaders from Kansas City and beyond whose work reflects excellence, perseverance, and dedicated service to the community.
Rev. Dr. Desmond C. Lamb Sr., executive director of Friends of Yates, will provide an overview of the organization and its mission. Brea Love of FOX4 News will serve as mistress of ceremony, with special greetings from Kansas City, Kansas Mayor/CEO Christal Watson and Kansas State Rep. Pam Curtis.
Portrait Honorees Highlight Lifelong Service
Among the evening’s most prestigious recognitions are the “Portrait” awards, spotlighting individuals whose careers exemplify sustained impact.
Portrait of a Black Woman: Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox
Superintendent of the Raytown Quality School District, Martin-Knox leads approximately 8,000 students and brings decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader. With a doctorate in Urban Education and Leadership, she is recognized for advancing academic excellence and equitable opportunity for children.
Portrait of a Black Woman: Rev. Dr. Linda K. Davenport Cummings
A board-certified clinical chaplain, Cummings serves in healthcare ministry at Stormont Vail Health and remains active in Baptist denominational leadership. Her work blends education, pastoral care, and community service rooted in faith.
Portrait of a Black Man: James White
White dedicated 35 years to Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. He later continued his civic leadership in government and community affairs, earning numerous awards for lifelong service.
Donald D. Sewing Prestigious Service Awards
The Donald D. Sewing Prestigious Service Awards recognize outstanding professional excellence and community commitment.
Mrs. Brea Love
A Kansas City native and award-winning journalist, Love co-anchors the 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. weeknight newscasts at FOX4 Kansas City. A University of Missouri Journalism School graduate, she has built a career spanning multiple states, with a focus on health reporting and community engagement, and remains active in service efforts supporting health and literacy initiatives.
Mr. Devin Smith Sr.
A board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Swope Health, Smith provides comprehensive, patient-centered care across the lifespan. With advanced degrees in nursing and healthcare administration, and experience in clinical practice, instruction, and healthcare consulting, he is committed to delivering compassionate, culturally competent care grounded in faith and service.
Honoring Leaders Across Industries
In addition to the Portrait and Sewing award recipients, Friends of Yates will honor 15 distinguished Black men and women whose contributions span education, business, healthcare, public service, ministry, and community advocacy.
The 2026 Black Men & Women of Distinction honorees are:
Vincent Davis; Bridgette Davis; Robin Gray; Stacie Green; Rachel Henderson; Dr. Dana Jackson; Debbie Jennings; Joyce Kynard; Teresa Mitchell; Angela Monroe; Louis Monroe; Trina Spears; Angela Taylor; Tillman Wallace; and Kimberly Weaver.
Awards will be presented by Judge Timothy Dupree and District Attorney Mark Dupree.
A 46-Year Tradition Of Excellence
For more than four decades, the Black Men & Women of Distinction Awards have served as a signature Black History Month celebration in Kansas City, Kansas. The ceremony honors contemporary leaders while recognizing the legacy of trailblazers who paved the way for progress and opportunity.
Friends of Yates, Inc., founded to preserve and uplift the historic Yates community, remains committed to celebrating African American achievement and strengthening community ties through education, recognition, and service.
Community members are invited to attend the Feb. 22 ceremony and join in honoring leaders whose impact continues to shape Kansas City and beyond. C