Hundreds Gather for the 33rd Black History & Scholarship Celebration
Published on February 20, 2025
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.
Read More about the 2025 Panelists: 33rd Annual Black History & Scholarship Celebration – Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City
This year the UG Black History Committee presented Dr. LaToria Chinn of the Nascar Kansas Speedway with the Community Leader award and Mr. Eric Williams/ CEO of Clippin 2 Please with the Community Business award. Both Dr. Chinn and Mr. Williams were recognized for their many years of dedication and impactful leadership in Wyandotte County and KCK.
The Community Business Award
Clippin 2 Please and Owner Eric Williams
Community Business Award: Clippin 2 Please with Mr. Eric Williams
Eric D. Williams was born to parents Chester Williams and Geraldine Moore and raised in Kansas City Ks. with humble beginning and a Proud Graduate of Washington High School class of 1986.
He is married to beautiful wife Tracy and a blessed father to Son DeAundre and Daughter Dominique Williams and a Grandfather of 6.
Mr. Williams started his licensed barber career over 30 years ago, where he not only transformed the looks for his clients, but provides a welcoming mentoring atmosphere for all who enter.
With his Wife and the Blessings of God he has Owned Clippin 2 Please Barbershop located at 3211 State Ave for almost 18 years this September.
For many years Mr. Williams and Clippin 2 Please have focused on giving back to the community by hosting Back to School Haircuts for kids, as well as going Back to school cuts after Christmas Breaks. Clippin 2 Please has also served for 12 Yrs with the Know Joey Foundation by participating in TURKEY TUESDAYs, which provides Turkeys and Thanksgiving fixings to over 1,500 Families in the Metro area.
Community Leader Award
Dr LaToria Chinn of the NASCAR Kansas Speedway
2025 Community Leadership Award: Dr. LaToria Chinn
Dr. LaToria Chinn has served as the Government Compliance Officer of Construction & Operations for NASCAR, Kansas Speedway for over 25 years.
As a proud graduate of Wyandotte High School and Emporia State University, Dr. Chinn has proved to be a positive influence in our community.
Over the years, Dr. Chinn has received many prestigious awards and inductions including: Top 50 Most Influential Black Women in Kansas City, Urban League Difference Maker, Outstanding Women of Distinction through the (Santa Fe Trails Girl Scouts), The Friends of Yates Black Men & Women of Distinction & Pioneer Black Woman of Distinction, United Minority Award from the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Distinguished Service Office of the Governor from the Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Business Advocate of the Year through the Kansas Department of Commerce. The Distinguished Black Achievers Award from the (Southern Christian Leadership Conference - SCLC), the Award of Excellence from the Kansas City, KS Community College, Reasons to Believe through the KCK Public School district USD 500, and Leadership 2000, Class 6, just to name a few.
Some of her community involvement and appointments include the Mayor's Metropolitan Human Relations Commission & Development Of Hands Across the Metroplex - Metropolitan Council of Mayors, Enterprise Empowerment Zone, NASCAR Diversity Council (Daytona Beach, Florida), Kansas African American Affairs Commission, District 3, Charter Member for the Kansas Black Chamber of Commerce, State Avenue Corridor Transit Improvement, Chairman to the Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas Contract Fairness Board, the GOOGLE Bi-State Innovation Committee, Kansas State Kansas Ordinance Legislation, Kansas Department of Commerce and the Wyandotte County/ Kansas City, Kansas Interfaith Liaison Board.
During this year's event, the BHC honored the life of young Jerel McGeachy Jr. with a special tribute.
Jerel McGeachy Jr. was a 2023 BHC event speaker.
Scholarship Presentations
The BHC delivered scholarships totaling $3,000 to students attending the Kansas City, Kansas Community College, and Donnelly College.
The BHC welcomes donations to assist with the ongoing fundraising efforts for local students.
2025 Table Sponsors & Donors
A special thanks to everyone who attended, donated items and provided support to help make this event a great success!