In honor of Black History Month, Friends of Yates, Inc., recently celebrated the accomplishments of 23 African American community leaders.
The 42nd Annual Black Men and Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony was held Saturday, Feb. 19, at Forest Grove Baptist Church, 1417 N. 9th St., Kansas City, Kansas, where the pastor is the Rev. Desmond Lamb.
The 2021 Awards Ceremony was canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year the event was pre-recorded and was aired Sunday, Feb. 27.
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 and reach new heights and achievements that were once considered impossible, a spokesman for Friends of Yates stated.
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 propels people into their future, eager to follow in the footsteps of those who have already paved the way, according to the spokesman.
This celebration of accomplishments of African Americans spotlights some of Kansas City’s finest leaders and talent. Kelli Taylor, news anchor and reporter for KCTV-5 News was the celebrity mistress of ceremony to help set the atmosphere.
An invocation was given by the Rev. Robert Milan Jr., of Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church, followed by a welcome from Friends of Yates Board president, Robert (Bob) Milan Sr.
LaDora Lattimore delivered “The Occasion” that took the audience on a journey through 109 years of the rich heritage of Yates as it relates to Black history.
Arica Roland, executive director, followed with a “Year in Review” that culminated the longstanding services and programs provided by the agency.
U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist., District Attorney Mark A. Dupree Sr., and State Rep. Pam Curtis, D-32nd Dist., brought greetings from their offices.
Mayor Tyrone Garner, Kansas City, Kansas’ first African American mayor, brought greetings, stating the city will be reflective of equity and equality for all.
Carolynn Washington, Friends of Yates shelter – client services manager, sang an original song that honored the efforts, challenges and victories that each honoree has met on the path to greatness.
Dr. Mildred Edwards, chief of staff to Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Garner and Cheryl Harrison-Lee, county administrator, presented the 19 Black Men and Women of Distinction their award that was bestowed upon each honoree by Mr. Bob Milan Sr., and Janet Milan, Friends of Yates health care advocate.
The several men and women were inducted into this alliance, as Black Men and Women of Distinction strive not only for personal success but also for the success of their communities, according to a spokesman.
This year’s honorees include Monroe Beard, Tonika Brockman, Jennifer Cooke, Broderick Crawford, Nathan Duckworth Sr., Betty Ewell, Erica Forrest, Dr. Antjuan Hampton, DMD, MPH, Kira Cheree` Hopkins, Kyliea Jarrett, Melva Jarrett, Rachel Jefferson, Taiasha Nichols, Anthony Simpson, Pastor Ervin Jason Sims, Andrea Tapia, Lindzy Smith, Randy Tyler and Jonathon Westbrook.
The Heritage Dance Ministry then brought forth a tribute to Black History Month with their liturgical dance performance.
This year, Friends of Yates highlighted the occasion with an exceptional woman, Shanelle Dupree, J.D., who has been named “Portrait of a Black Woman,” presented by her husband, Pastor Mark Dupree.
The “Portrait of a Black Man” was awarded to Chief Deputy District Attorney Damon Mitchell, presented by Jonathan Carter.
Attorney Shanelle Dupree practiced law for nearly a decade representing children, parents, and handled high conflict family law and juvenile law cases. Attorney Dupree successfully created and taught a series of legal and social information classes for parents involved in the child welfare system for five years in Kansas, a spokesman stated. She provided hope, help and humor to parents struggling to understand the child welfare system. After leaving the courtroom, Shanelle traveled the state interviewing agencies and people running for office about the foster care system and produced over 30 videos.
Shanelle Dupree was appointed as the Kansas City regional director of the Department for Children and Families in March 2019. She manages resources and staffing across five counties for 450 employees. She is the chair of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee, which oversees the implementation of juvenile justice reform.
She has ushered in courageous conversations surrounding racial inequities in the child welfare system. She is an adjunct professor at University of Kansas Medical Center and Washburn Law. Attorney Dupree is married to her law school sweetheart, Pastor Mark Dupree, who is the Wyandotte County district attorney. Together they serve in ministry at Grace Tabernacle located in Kansas City, Kansas. She published Bible Study Perspectives: Genesis which helps people connect to God’s word using a simple and creative system.
Shanelle Dupree serves as Oak Ridge Youth Development School Board member, Washburn Law School Board of Governors, Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee Chair, Bible Study teacher at Grace Tabernacle Church and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the Kansas Bar Association. Shanelle Dupree is involved in policies and laws that affect the community. She has served as a campaign director, campaign advisor, transition team director, and copywriter for multiple successful political campaigns. Faith, purpose and a love of learning is what Shanelle Dupree attributes to her success.
Damon D. Mitchell is a Kansas City, Kansas, native and graduate of Wyandotte High School. Mitchell showed the courage and persistence that he credits as key to his success at an early age. When he was 9, he wondered what would happen if he jumped from his third-floor apartment balcony. Gripped by fear yet spurred on by courage, one day he jumped. He hit the ground like a sack of rocks: feet, rear-end, and then a mouth-full of knee-cap. Busted-lip, bruised, and dizzy he dusted himself off and checked jumping from the third-floor balcony off his list of things to accomplish that summer.
Years later he was running the anchor leg of a 400-meter relay and lost a shoe during the baton exchange when his teammate stepped on the heel of his shoe. He kept going. Mitchell managed to come in third and finished the race with a half-dollar size hole in his foot. His boundary-pushing courage and persistence would develop over the years and come to serve him well as a member of the U.S. Air Force, trial attorney, and current chief deputy district attorney of Wyandotte County.
Michell was awarded the Air Force National Defense Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He is Community Corrections Board chairman, Aspire Home Health, Inc. Board member, and a member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association; National Black District Attorney’s Association, National District Attorney’s Association and member of the Kansas and Missouri Bar associations. Over the last 22 years Mitchell has represented clients in his hometown and across the country. Mitchell is currently at the helm of the Dupree administration helping to guide the office and execute policy reforms and oversee the day-to-day operations. Mitchell holds degrees from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Kansas School of Law.
Friends of Yates also honored Dr. Carla Whiteside-Hicks, presented by Mr. Willie Murillo, and Paul C. Jones, presented by his wife, Karen Jones, with the “2022 Donald D. Sewing Prestigious Service Award” for their outstanding service and contribution to the community.
Dr. Carla Whiteside-Hicks is the director of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Early Childhood Programs for Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) administrator for Kansas. She supervises TANF and early childhood policy and programs to ensure the creation and support of opportunities for those served to increase their capacity to decrease their reliance on public supports. At Sheffield Family Life Center, Carla has served as nursery coordinator, worship leader, Sunday School teacher, Compassion team member, and group leader for Operation Love’s Outreach, in partnership with Harvesters Community Food Network.
She is a member of Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund Data Governance Board, Governor’s Council on Education: Childcare and Early Learning Subcommittee, Wyandotte County Child Care Access Collaborative’s Investment Mapping and Analysis Workgroup, and Kansas Power of the Positive, American Public Human Services Association’s TANF Modernization Workgroup. Mrs. Whiteside-Hicks volunteers with Harvesters and received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award. She attributes her success to her commitment to be a servant leader as she encourages collaboration. She often reminds herself of her favorite Shirley Chisholm quote, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
During Paul Jones’ tenure in his positions as an educator, coach and firefighter, it has collectively contributed to his success. His role and obedience as a son, has been integral. Each of these positions allowed Jones to do something he loves; make meaningful contributions to both the youth and community, while making his mother proud. Each also fostered his determination, perseverance and resilience.
As a certified educator, Jones had the honor and responsibility of teaching our youth not only in the classroom, but also about life. His desire was for them to see someone who they could identify with, admire, and more importantly, that they could trust. Jones wanted them to know the value and importance of an education while having the ability to positively impact and influence their life choices. Coaching track and field further allowed him to reach and relate to his students by teaching them discipline, commitment, tenacity and grit.
Although he was saddened to leave teaching full-time to become a firefighter, he was grateful for the ability to continue both passions of teaching and coaching. It was during the time working up the ranks at the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department that Jones honed his ability to persevere, be resilient, and grow his understanding and strength in the Lord.
To conclude the event, Arica Roland addressed the audience and congratulated all the award recipients. LaDora Lattimore acknowledge the program participants, congratulated the honorees and invited guests to support the tremendous work that Friends of Yates continues to do within the Greater Metropolitan community. Unexpectedly, Paul Jones took the stage to present Roland with long stem glass red roses dipped in 24k gold and expressed his gratitude to Friends of Yates and presented Lattimore with a special gift for playing a major role of positive force in his life since childhood helping shape him to be the man he is today. The Rev. Robert Milan Jr. gave a benediction to end the ceremony.
Yates was organized and became a branch of the YWCA, Kansas City, Kansas, in 1913, and later reorganized as Friends of Yates; with a combined total of a “109” of serving the community.
Friends of Yates, Inc. has prevailed in providing comprehensive programming and services, meeting the ever-increasing demand for those who are underserved and/or underprivileged and in need.
Special events and programs of Friends of Yates include; Black Men and Women of Distinction in recognition of Black History Month; Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort (CACE) event, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month – kicking off with the Evening of Praise and culminating with the Community Luncheon and the Holiday at the Apollo Benefit Gala.
Some of the many programs offered through Della Gill-Joyce H. Williams Center include; Pathway to Advocacy and Violence free living and Economic empowerment (PAVE) program to provide domestic violence and sexual assault services to families receiving TANF Food and Childcare assistance; Healthcare Advocacy Program (BridgeSpan); Emergency Shelter; Supportive Housing; Court Advocacy; Crime Victim Advocacy; Mental Health Services; Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model (TREM) Program; Child Care; Translation Services; Community Outreach and Education; Strength-based Case Management; 24-hour Crisis Hotline, Job Coaching and Economic Empowerment; Culturally Specific Programs and Advocacy. Friends of Yates, Inc. has received countless testimonies of those who have been impacted by the rich legacy and heritage of this agency.
For more information about this event, visit the Friends of Yates Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofYates.
To make a monetary contribution or to volunteer or become a partner with Friends of Yates, contact Carlen Davis, community outreach educator, at 913-321-1566, Ext. 255.
- Information and photos from Carlen Davis, Friends of Yates community outreach educator
