RESOLUTION NO. 240859

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Sponsor:  Councilmember Melissa Robinson

RESOLUTION - Recognizing and honoring the 2024 Black Achievers and the Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City.

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WHEREAS, the Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City was founded in 1974 by former Kansas City Mayor, and now United States Congressman Emanuel Cleaver with the goal of the organization being to recognize those companies in business and industry that demonstrated leadership in the areas of diversity and inclusion through their commitment to a diverse workforce; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the Black Achievers Society is to actively respond to the educational, social, and economic needs of the community by providing role models for Blacks and minority youth, sharing knowledge gained through academic and corporate experiences and enhancing the principles upon which the society was founded; and

WHEREAS, a dinner was held in their honor, usually in the spring. In 1989, the award dinner was incorporated into the Martin Luther King Celebration hosted by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and later in 1993, the organization in addition to acknowledging African American business professionals, also began providing scholarships to area youth; and

WHEREAS, today, the Black Achievers Society is active in the community as it works to provide annual scholarships to area high school seniors. The Society, in addition to fostering collaboration between high achieving African American business professionals who are invested in our communities, also provides leadership development exposure and scholarships to area youth; and

WHEREAS, the 2024 Black Achievers are James Easaw, Kansas City National Security Campus - Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technologies Director of Global Security - Special Programs, Simone Curls, Prospect Business Association Executive Director, Kisa Caruthers Burns & McDonnell Senior Electrical Engineer, Tausha Hammett, LC's Bar B Q Owner/Trustee, and David Davis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Key Account Executive; NOW, THEREFORE,

                     BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

                     That the Mayor and Council hereby recognize and honor the 2024 Black Achievers and the Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City; and

                     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Jauqua Preston Wilkins with the appreciation of the Mayor and Council for their services to our community.

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