In honor of Black History Month, Friends of Yates, Inc., is inviting the community to celebrate the accomplishments of 25 African-American community leaders.
The 39th Annual Black Men and Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at Friends of Yates, 1418 Garfield Ave., Kansas City, Kansas.
A spokesman for the event said it is because of the groundbreaking accomplishments of African-American leaders and pioneers of the past, determined to see positive change, that African-American leaders and pioneers of today continue to break barriers, reach new heights and accomplish many things that were once considered impossible. These activists, doctors, lawyers, educators, entrepreneurs, and countless others make the difference in the community, society, and the world, according to the spokesman. Their commitment, hard work, determination and relentless drive for change and equality has contributed to an amazing history that propels those in the present into the future, eager to follow in the footsteps of those who have already paved the way, the spokesman said.
Those to be inducted into the Black Men and Woman of Distinction include Dr. Minnie Adam, Obie Austin, Jessica Bassett, Teia Bennett, Grace Boswell, Carla Byers, Dr. Jennifer Collier, Karen Daniels, Dr. Shaunda Fowler, Jill Hall, Howard Hamilton, Angela Hobson-Hamilton, Ezola Johnson, Dr. Kamile L. Johnson, Betty Letcher Adams, Officer Elaine Moore, Margaret Pender, Dr. George Smith, Dr. Nefertari Terrill-Jones, the Rev. Capt. William Wallace and Natoyia Wilson.
Dr. Janice M. Cade has been named “Portrait of a Black Woman,” presented by her daughter, Shannon Cade. The “Portrait of a Black Man” will be awarded to Everidge Cade, presented by his son, Steven Cade.
Dr. Janice M. Cade has had a passion for education and helping young children. Her life’s mission has always been to provide service. She embraced Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s expression that said, “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this great earth.” With that, Dr. Cade vowed to help children, teachers, and principals become successful in their educational endeavors by teaching them, mentoring them and inspiring them to great heights. Dr. Janice Cade serves as managing partner for Smart Start Solutions, LLC, as well as serves as an educational consultant to the National Alliance of Faith and Justice where she has oversight responsibility for the Pen or Pencil Mentoring Program. Her expertise in mentoring and volunteerism earned her the President’s Award from the National and Community Services Organization as the 2013 MLK Drum Major for Service and was recognized by President Barack Obama for the award.
Everidge Cade Jr. has always embraced Gandhi’s thought that “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Caring, dedicated and community-minded were terms used to describe him when he served as commissioner of the Sixth District on the Jackson County Human Relation and Citizens Complaint Commission. There he stood up for the rights of the people and those terms still hold true today. He is a lifelong citizen of Kansas City, has been a servant leader and role model over the years for both family and the community at large. He was raised by proud parents in the historic jazz area, finished high school and pursued a business career after graduating from Lincoln University. His goal has always been to “give back” to the youth in our city, state, and country, making small but important contributions that can help a child succeed in life. By promoting literacy, STEM education and mentoring goals, he continues to achieve his personal advocacy goal of helping youth to achieve at high levels. Cade is married to Dr. Janice Cade, his spouse for over 43 years. He is the father of two attorneys, Shannon and Steven Cade, and a daughter-in-law, Mayah Cade.
Also to be honored are Ralph C. Johnson and Benice Meeks with the “2019 Donald D. Sewing Service Award” for their outstanding service and contribution to the community.
Ralph Johnson is the president-CEO of Ralph C. Johnson and Company, certified public Accountants. He is a graduate of Oakwood College and Oakwood College Academy. He is married to Nadine H. Johnson and is the father of one child. Johnson has been in business for over 47 years and he attributes several factors to his success, his wife who has been the primary support in his life and business, his academic achievements in which he gives accolades to the professors and the instructors and finally his dedicated staff and clients who have been supporters of the business since the inception. He has served as chair on the board of Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center and the Kansas State Board of Accountancy, as well as was a member of the American Institute of CPA’s (AICPA) where he served on the committee of recruitment and opportunity.
Benice Meeks is the first black director of finance at the Kansas City, Kansas, Housing Authority. She attended National American University where she received a Bachelor of Science in business administration. She went on to complete a master’s in business administration at Baker University. She utilizes her financial background to assist those who are less fortunate in the community. Even though Meeks has been employed at several Fortune 500 companies over the years, including Sprint, Hallmark Cards, H & R Block, and Payless Shoe Source Corporate Office, working for an agency that serves the community has been a very rewarding career achievement for her. The highlight of her work has been seeing the excitement of individuals when they move into their first apartment, or hearing seniors express appreciation for the care the Housing Authority provides them. Meeks was honored in 1997-1998 as a Black Woman of Distinction and in 2018 was honored with Wing of Hope and Determination Award. Mr. and Mrs. Meeks are the parents of one daughter, Gabrielle, who graduated from the University of Kansas in 2015 with a degree in human biology and is currently working for a laboratory company. Meeks retired in 2010 from MoDot but continues to volunteer in the community to assist with the restoration of older homes needing repairs.
This celebration of accomplishments of African-Americans will spotlight some of Kansas City’s leaders and talent. Cynthia Newsome, news anchor and reporter for KSHB-TV 41 Action News, will act as celebrity mistress of ceremony. To help set the atmosphere, the Rev. Dr. Robert L. Baynham will give the invocation, and Pastor Dr. Desmond C. Lamb from Forest Grove Baptist Church will give the benediction.
Among the many programs and services offered by Friends of Yates Inc. are Black Men and Women of Distinction Program; Keep a Clear Mind; PAVE (Pathway to Advocacy for Violence-free living and Economic Empowerment), a collaborative program with Kansas DCF to provide domestic and sexual violence advocacy services and the signature program, the Della Gill-Joyce H. Williams Center for Battered Women and their dependent children. Some of the many programs and services offered through the DG-JHWC include BridgeSpan Healthcare Advocacy Program; Emergency Shelter; Transitional Housing; Housing Stabilization Advocacy; Court/Legal Advocacy; Substance Abuse Intervention Program; Mental Health Services; Child Care; Translation Services; Community Outreach and Education; Strength-based Case Management; Crime Victim Advocacy; 24-hour Crisis Hotline and Job Coaching.
This is a free event, open to the public. For more information, contact Shanice Gipson at 913-321-1566.
- Information from Shanice Gipson, Friends of Yates