More than 300 people from across the metro came out to salute seven best and bright leaders and organizations at the Second Annual Thrive community development celebration sponsored by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Greater Kansas City.
The presented Thrive Awards celebrated the great work of community leaders and organizations who are making results in their efforts to revitalize Kansas City’s neighborhoods.
Honorees were:
•Ajamu Webster, Hallmark Community Leadership in Kansas City, Missouri – for launching WeDevelopment Credit Union to improve financial education in the inner city and put payday lenders out of business.
•Broderick Crawford, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City’s Community Leadership in Kansas City, Kansas – for leading revitalization of Jersey Creek Trail Renovation and Expansion Project.
•Diosselyn Tot, Youth Leader in Kansas City, Kansas – for leading advocacy work in voter engagement, citizenship clinics and DACA renewals.
•Kennedy Johnson, Youth Leader in Kansas City, Missouri – 7-year-old who collected more than 2,000 books for youth at the Linwood Y.
•Avenue of Life’s Impact Wednesday Program, Innovation Award – a 1-stop shop program credited with improving student attendance and achievement in KCK Public School District by bringing agency representatives to meet face-to-face with families on a variety of issues and services including utility assistance, transportation and housing resources.
•Rosedale Development Association, Organization with Greatest Impact – for working with residents, businesses, and institutions to make a positive impact in this KCK community for 73 years.
•Habitat for Humanity’s Rock The Block Program, Building Block Award – a 1-day neighborhood beautification marathon for low- to moderate-income homeowners.
At the event held Oct. 11 in Kansas City, MO, guests were greeted with dance performances by Key Polynesia, and artists associated with Artists Helping the Homeless.
LISC President and CEO Maurice Jones traveled from New York to share his message of the need for an equitable system to create housing and economic development opportunities in our country.
LISC Kansas City Executive Director Stephen Samuels took the stage to share his annual message about partnerships and equity.
The event was presented by KCPL. Also partnering in the program was the City of Kansas City, MO, Unified Government of Wyandotte County, and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.