Unified Government Black History Committee

UG logo_Black and gold.png

What is the Black History Committee?

The Black History Committee (BHC) is a Committee comprised of Unified Government employees and community members who seek to educate and empower on cultural awareness and pride. Our Mission is to inspire, respect, and celebrate African Americans' lifelong achievements, history, and future in our community and in America.

Our Purpose

Our goal is to break down community barriers by inviting everyone to join us in celebrating Black History Month with the local government. The yearly commemoration began in the United States in 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson advocated that it be used to commemorate African Americans and improve awareness of Black history.

What We Do

The Black History Committee (BHC) of the Unified Government is a volunteer committee that hosts an annual banquet to honor African American achievements, provide educational scholarships to local educational institutions, award door prizes, feature keynote speakers, recognize minority-owned businesses in our community, and provide live entertainment for our guests' enjoyment.

Committee Background

The Black History Committee (BHC) has been in existence since 1982. The founders met with city administrators and the mayor to seek support for forming a committee that would represent the local government in organizing an annual event for Black History Month, awarding scholarships to local institutions, and highlighting local businesses in Wyandotte County. The committee has continued contributing back to the community for forty years by generating funds, creating awareness of community efforts, and collaborating with local educational institutions.

Current BHC Members

Shaya Lockett Deasiray Bush
 Brandy Wells  Gordon Criswell, Treasurer  
 Reginald Lindsey Tyszu Woolridge  
Krystal McFeders Sherry Love
David Kelly Vita Drew
Cory Grayson  Asia Manning

 

Become a Member!

Get Involved

The BHC would like to encourage UG employees to join the committee in the spring of 2025. The committee can consist of 15 members. We're searching for someone with fundraising expertise, community partner contacts, and the ability to participate in meetings, events, and lead subcommittees. We're also seeking volunteers for a Fundraiser Sub-Committee.

Not interested in being a member of our committee? Don't worry, you may still help us by promoting upcoming events, donating to our scholarship fund, or providing support.

34th Annual KCK Black History & Scholarship Celebration

Mark your calendars now to attend this year's BHC celebration and scholarship brunch. Come and enjoy amazing food and networking, while supporting scholarships for local KCK students. This year's theme will focus on "Visions of Liberation: Honoring the Past, Reimaging the Future". 

Save the Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11AM.
Please plan to join us for another stellar event, that will uplift and provide scholarships to local inspiring students. 

Download the Save the Date Flyer: 2026-BHC-Save-the-Date-Flyer.pdf(PDF, 429KB)

Stay Tuned: Event tickets and sponsorship opportunities will be made available very soon.

 

Past Events

33rd Annual Black History Celebration & Scholarship Banquet

2025 Theme: Legacy Building Through the Foundational Pillars of HBCUs

On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas Black History Committee (BHC) hosted its 33rd Annual Black History Fundraiser and Scholarship Celebration. Over 220 guests gathered for this annual event that was held at Memorial Hall (600 N. 7th Street, KCK) from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Since the inception of the UG Black History Committee over 70 scholarships have been awarded to area college and high school seniors. This year's theme focused on the Legacy Building Through the Foundational Pillars of HBCUs. 

Foundational Pillars

  • Cultural Pride/ Empowerment
  • Building Generational Wealth
  • Public Service/ Giving Back
  • Long Lasting Connections/ Unity Alliance 

Guests enjoyed a day of networking with many elected officials, community leaders, and honorees. As well as enjoyed local entertainment from Peanut Butter and Jam "A Smooth Jazz Experience" featuring John Hudson and Nneoma Lenea, a catered brunch from JTS Catering, Audio and Visual Arts from DJ Joe, event photography from LaVeya's Lens and a dynamic panel discussion moderated by UG Community Development Director Kay Sharp and community leaders Reginald Lindsey, Toni Vaughn, Lorin Crenshaw, and Tia Watkins.

For additional event information and event photos, please visit: Hundreds Gather for the 33rd Black History & Scholarship Celebration

32nd Annual Black History Celebration & Scholarship Banquet

2024 Theme: "African Americans and the Arts in the Black Community"

The 2024 event celebrated African Americans and the Arts in the Black community. This year's event was held on Saturday, Feb 17, 2024, at Memorial Hall (600 N. 7th Street) in downtown KCK from 11AM to 2PM. This year's in-person social hour and program will take place during the brunch timeframe to allow attendees the opportunity to enjoy the rest of their day.

The celebration focused on cultural pride, and the influence and impact of African Americans and the arts being presented by special keynote speaker, Dr. Natasha Hampton.

Read More: UG Black History Committee to Host 32nd Annual Scholarship Celebration – Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City

BHC 2024 Event Flyer v2

31st Annual Black History Celebration & Scholarship Banquet

2023 Theme: "Preserving Our History"

On Saturday, February 18, 2023, the Unified Government Black History Committee hosted a night full of networking, local entertainment, amazing food and drinks as well as an engaging panel discussion focusing on honoring and preserving the history of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. It is important that the legacy of our historic landmarks are not only recognized but preserved for the understanding and enjoyment of generations to come. Read more about the 31stAnnual Black History Celebration & Scholarship Banquet event.

Panel Discussion Theme: Preserving Our History
Moderator: Gordon Criswell
Event Panelists:

  • Amy Loch - Director of the Wyandotte County Musuem
  • Randy Greeves - Unified Government Historic Preservationist
  • John L. McPherson III - Owner of JLM Construction
  • Sheleah D. McPherson - Owner of Leah’s Laundromat on the Q

Donations and proceeds from this event went towards scholarships for Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas students.

View the black gold luxury grand opening invitation flyer(PNG, 168KB)

30th Annual Black History Celebration & Scholarship Banquet

2022 Theme: Black Health & Awareness

This event consisted of a dynamic and engaging community discussion moderated by UG Public Information Officer, Krystal McFedders with special guests:

  • Nicole Garner, Unified Government Public Health Department Operations Manager
  • Tykeisha Kelly, Special Education Social Worker

When: Friday, February 25, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM
Where: Watch the Virtual Live Stream (Zoom & Facebook)
Scholarships Awards: Donnelly College and Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC)
2022 Legendary Award: Morris Letcher
Community Business Award: Anna's BLD Bistro

We look forward to engaging with you!
30th BHC Flyer(PNG, 721KB)


Past Event Awareness & Resources Community Photos

Past Event and Community Engagement Photos

Past Event and Community Engagement Photos
Past Event and Community Engagement Photos

Past Event and Community Engagement Photos
Past Event and Community Engagement Photos

Past Event and Community Engagement Photos
Past Event and Community Engagement Photos

Past Event and Community Engagement Photos
Past Event and Community Engagement Photos

Past Event and Community Engagement Photos
Past Event and Community Engagement Photos

Past Event and Community Engagement Photos

Contact Us

BHC@wycokck.org

Donate Now

Donations will help local educational institutions in Wyandotte County pay for students' tuition, books, and fees. Donations can be accepted through Venmo or by Check by mailing to the address listed beow.

View scan the BHC Venmo QR code image to donate(PNG, 30KB)

We Accept Checks!(PNG, 30KB)
Make your check payable to KCK African American History Committee and mail to 5033 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101.
Attention: Shaya Lockett

2026 Annual KCK Black History Celebration & Scholarship Celebration

Stay Tuned!

Ticket and Sponsorship Options will be available very soon! 

Back to top