The Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1974, by the former Kansas City, MO-Mayor Emanuel Cleaver to honor African Americans in business and industry. 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). Later in 1993, the organization in addition to acknowledging African American Business professionals also began providing scholarships to area youth.

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 African Americans and minority youth, sharing knowledge gained through academic and corporate experience.

To become a member of the Black Achievers Society African Americans professionals are nominated by their employer for their corporate leadership, significant accomplishments, community involvement, and education achievements. A committee comprised of representative’s from the SCLC Board of Directors and the Black Achievers Society selects the honorees from persons nominated. Persons honored join a select group of over 400 past recipients.

The society is very active in the community as it works to provide annual scholarships to area high school seniors. In addition, through its’ many partnerships, the organization also provides mentoring and internships for area youth. The society meets regularly to support these much needed efforts in our community and is always looking for additional efforts to support.