Diverse group celebrating awards night
The bustling city of Kansas City, Missouri, is buzzing with excitement as it gears up for the 6th Annual Kansas City People’s Choice Awards (KCPCA). Inspired by Steve Harvey’s Hoodie Awards, this show was brought to life by Kansas City native Terrell Ray. The award ceremony recognises and celebrates small businesses, entrepreneurs, and different talents, particularly within black communities.
Believing that his city deserves its own award show, Ray took to social media to share his idea, and instant support poured in. Six years down the line, this homegrown award show has emerged as one of Kansas City’s most-anticipated events. Ray says, “People really take pride in being a nominee, being a semifinalist, being included, being a winner.”
However, the journey of KCPCA has not been a smooth ride. The inaugural award show was met with skepticism. Accusations of favoritism in winner selection marred the event’s reputation. A disturbance which occurred during the ceremony, though unrelated to the KCPCA, made Ray reconsider his approach.
Ultimately, though, these challenges led to significant improvements in future editions. Changes in venue, security, stringent dress codes and fair voting systems were some enhancements introduced to elevate the award show to the level of prominent nation-wide events such as The BET Awards or The Grammy’s.
With over 70 categories, diverse areas of talent, creativity, and expertise are celebrated. From Best Musician to Best Businessman and even Best Therapist, the award show lays emphasis on small businesses and the individuals behind them. Among the notable nominees this year are musician Aaron Mitchell and comedians Kahleigh Comedy and Janell Banks.
One noteworthy aspect of KCPCA is its inclusion of a category for Best Therapist, an acknowledgment of society’s gradual acceptance of mental health discussions. This reflects the awards’ commitment to addressing taboo subjects and recognizing the importance of all professions in society.
The impact and influence of the KCPCA are not limited to Kansas City. Cities like Chicago, Dallas, Cincinnati, and St. Louis have mirrored its model, creating their versions of a People’s Choice Awards. The KCPCA has not only succeeded in inspiring other cities but also in earning national acclaim.
Despite the hurdles, the unflagging support and appreciation from Kansas City’s residents have fueled Ray’s determination. Even in the midst of hardships or mourning, Ray hopes KCPCA can offer a much-needed escape to residents, an evening of joy and celebration.
The 6th Annual Kansas City People’s Choice Awards will unfurl on Friday, July 26th, with a ‘Network & Social’ event at Elevation Grille. The ceremony follows on Sunday, July 28th, at the Midland Theater, promising a star-studded evening with performances by local talents.
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