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Unified Government Black History Committee

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, Chair	Deasiray Bush, Vice-Chair
Janice Barnett, Secretary	Gordon Criswell, Treasurer
Jaron Briggs	Tyszu Woolridge
Reginald Lindsey	Sherry Love
Krystal McFeders	Brandy Wells

How to be Involved:

The BHC would like to encourage UG employees to join the committee in the spring of 2023. 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.

Upcoming Events

31st Annual Black History Celebration and Scholarship Event

2023 Theme: "Preserving Our History"

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for a night of networking, cultural conversations, live local entertainment and great food!

Join the Unified Government Black History Committee for 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 as we are home to some of the most dynamic historic landmarks. 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.

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

KCK Black History Celebration and Scholarship Banquet Tickets

Individual Ticket - $80.00 (Includes appetizers, full evening meal buffet, and two drink tickets)
Table Sponsorship Tickets - $640.00 (Includes 8 seats per table and 16 drink tickets)
Vendor Booth - $50.00 Per Table (Includes one 8 ft. table setup in the main lobby area of Memorial Hall)

Secure your ticket now, you will not want to miss out on this engaging in-person celebration.

Interested in being a vendor at this event?
Vendor Booths available through online registration - KCK Black History Celebration and Scholarship Banquet (Vendor Registration)

Donate Now

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Donations will help local educational institutions in Wyandotte County pay for students' tuition, books, and fees.

We Accept Checks!
Make your check payable to KCK African American History Committee and mail to:

5033 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101
Attention: Shaya Lockett

Past Events

30th Annual Black History Celebration & Scholarship Event

2022 Theme: Black Health & Awareness

This event consisted of a dynamic and engaging community discussion moderated by UG Public Information Officer, Krystal McFeders 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: Virtual Live Stream (Zoom & Facebook)
Click Here to Access the Event Video

Scholarships Awards: Donnelly College and Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC)
2022 Legendary Award: Morris Letcher
Community Business Award: Anna's BLD Bistro

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We look forward to engaging with you!