Kansas City Surprise Ceremony Pays Tribute to Four Local Champions for Their Community Services

Kansas City Honors Four Local Champions with Unanticipated Celebration

In a heartwarming twist of events, four community stalwarts in Kansas City were honored during a surprise ceremony that took place at the Oasis International Church on Sunday. The honorees, lured to the church under the impression that they were there to honor someone else, were taken aback when they became the focus of the gathering.

The esteemed individuals recognized during this event include Alvin Brooks, Carl Boyd, Evangelist Ester Holzendorf, and Jim “Grand Dad” Nunnelly. The quartet was acknowledged for their numerous contributions and long-term service to Kansas City with touching tributes from the community.

About the Unique Celebration

The non-profit Concerned Clergy Coalition of Kansas City masterminded the event, specifically designed to honor these four community personalities whose influence and service span years in various spheres including youth mentorship, civil rights, community growth, and more.

Rev. Michael Brooks, the pastor of Oasis International and the president of the Concerned Clergy Coalition, underlined the importance of appreciating people’s contribution while they are alive. He said, “I want to make it a point that if we have something great to say, say it before they leave.”

The surprise ceremony, marked by powerful speeches, standing ovations, and cheers constituted a heartening note of gratitude for these individuals’ lifelong altruistic services to Kansas City.

About the Honorees

Alvin Brooks is a highly regarded civic leader who has served in numerous posts including city councilman, president of the board of police commissioners, mayor pro tem, and founder of the AdHoc Group Against Crime. Born in 1932, Brooks has dedicated his life to mentoring the young while garnering a plethora of accolades for his service.

An ex-teacher, Carl Boyd created the pioneering “Generation Rap” radio show in 1987 to amplify the voices of urban teenagers. Boyd continues to mentor youth through Synergy Services’ Youth Resiliency Center alongside several other initiatives.

Evangelist Ester Holzendorf, a prominent activist known for her tenacity, has established organizations such as Sankofa for Kansas City and Consolidated Social Workers. She has been a relentless fighter for justice, food for the homeless, and empowerment of underprivileged neighborhoods.

Jim “Grand Dad” Nunnelly, a retired healthcare executive, is known for founding and administering the progressive anti-drug program, Jackson County COMBAT, which advocates treatment over imprisonment for drug use. For many years, Nunnelly was the host of Generation Rap, a youth program broadcast every Saturday morning.

Passing the Baton to Next Generation

Janay Reliford, Chair of the KC Reparations Coalition, spoke about the talks of ‘passing the baton’ from these esteemed personalities, saying, “There is talk of passing the baton from these beloved ones. I can’t carry the collective work of these individuals alone, none of us can.”

The audience was encouraged to raise their symbolic ‘paper batons’ in the air and affirm in chorus, ‘We’ve got this,’ indicating their readiness to carry forward the legacy laid down by these community stalwarts.

With this ceremony, Kansas City affirmed its commitment to acknowledging the tremendous efforts and the indelible impact that community leaders make in fostering growth, unity, and development in their neighborhoods.