2021 Honorees

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I was born on July 30, 1957, at St. Mary’s hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.  The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, now sits on the property. Initially, we lived in Armourdale and then made our way to Rosedale where I attended Columbian and Attucks Elementary Schools and one year at Holy Name Catholic School. We moved to Midtown after Urban Renewal wiped away our Rosedale neighborhood that now houses Taqueria Mexico, Applebee’s, and motels.

I attend Parker Elementary and West Junior High School and one year at Wyandotte High School. In 1973, the KCKPS opened up two new high schools and I attended and was graduated from F.L. Schlagle High School in 1975.

I attended Kansas City, Kansas Community College, and the University of Kansas before enlisting in the USAF in October of 1976.  I attended USAF Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, Texas, and then was accepted into the Department of Defense’s Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California in 1977.  I studied Russian (I had been studying Russian and KU.) when I was removed from DLI on suspicion of being gay.  That’s what they did in those days.  Because military officials had no solid proof, I was given a choice to take an honorable discharge because I had been guaranteed a position as a Russian Linguist or take a job wherever the USAF Put me. I ended up at Luke AFB, AZ as a Fuels Specialist working in a Liquid Oxygen Facility, a fuel yard, and finally in the Accounting Office.  In 1980, I was given orders to report to Hickam AFB, HI, and went back out on the flight line at Luke, servicing jet fighters and other aircraft before departing for Hawai’i. I worked in the office in Accounting at Hickam and was re-enlisted in 1981.  It was during that time that I reported for training at Yakota AB, Japan, and was a participant in joint US/Allied operations with the Republic of Korea and other allies in Team Spirit 82 out of Osan AB, Republic of Korea.

In 1982, I was approved for cross-training to financial management and reported to Sheppard AFB, TX for training and then subsequently assigned to Air Force Systems Command 32nd Supply Squadron at Eglin AFB, FL. During this time, I supplemented my education at the University of Hawai’i-Manoa, Troy State University, Okaloosa-Walton Junior College, and the University of West Florida. I separated from the USAF in November of 1985 and returned to Kansas City.  Subsequently, I went to work for the IRS and will have been retired from Federal Service after more than 44 years on Sept. 30, 2021. I worked in all three major sections of the service center, Processing, Compliance, and Accounts Management.  I instructed Labor Relations and Front-Line Leadership all across the country in various IRS offices.  I also instructed and facilitated locally, Diversity, HIV/AIDS Awareness, Privacy Act, Ethics Awareness, and other classes.  I was in management for 15 years and the last 16 years as an analyst, ending my time with the Chief Financial Officer as a Tax Analyst after over 10 years.

While at IRS, I became involved with the Hispanic Employment Program and was eventually the Chair.  I was also Chair of the Federal Executive Board’s Greater Kansas City Hispanic Employment Program Managers Council in 1995.

I am a Community Activist and LGBTQ Activist/Advocate.  I am the 2nd District Representative to the Unified Government’s Advisory Commission on Human Relations and Diversity Issues since 2017, a member of the board of directors for the Kansas City Kansas Farmers Market since 2008, Chair of Equality Kansas-Northeast Chapter (LGBTQ+ advocacy), and Vice-Chair of Equality Kansas (state level).

I have lived on Strawberry Hill for 29 years.  My partner Chris and I have been together for over 12 years.
I am a part-time organic farmer, I like to read, I’ve visited 49 states and 27 countries, and value and cherish my family and friends.
 

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Susan Byrd is a Wyandotte County resident and business owner. Susan was born & raised in Wyandotte County and attended William Allen White Elementary, West Junior High, and F.L. Schlagle High School, graduating in 1979. Susan was a cheerleader and a majorette while attending high school. She was a member of the Kansas City Chief’s “Chiefettes” dance team for five years and later went on to receive formal training in classical dance at UMKC’s Conservatory of Music, Westport Ballet School in Kansas City, MO, and the American Dance Center in Overland Park, KS.

Susan’s passion for dance and teaching dance has had a positive impact on young students inspiring them to become the best they can be. In 2008, Susan expanded her dance and gymnastics studio to provide a first-class facility for the youth of Wyandotte County and surrounding areas. She believes that learning comes in all forms and that teaching dance instills values that benefit students for life such as discipline, perseverance, independence, enthusiasm, pride, and achievement. 

Susan’s students enjoy participating in community performances such as the Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting, holiday charity performances at KCKCC, race events at Kansas Speedway, and outdoor performances at Wyandotte County Park, as well as other venues in the KC metro area. Additionally, Susan has provided performance and travel opportunities to students & families through attendance at events in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Charleston, Houston, and Minneapolis. In the summer of 2018, Susan had the opportunity to teach dance at an international level when she traveled to China to teach elementary-age students as part of a cultural exchange in education and the arts. She choreographed a large production titled “Dancing Through the Decades” using popular American songs. 

Susan has worked as an adjudicator, judging regional and national dance competitions throughout the United States. She is a member of the following professional organizations: National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), Dance Studio Owners Association, Taking Shape STAR Leadership Program, USA Gymnastics Professional Member, SHAPE America (Society of Health & Physical Educators), National Acrobat Competition, Weissman Costume Advisory Board. 

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Darian J. Nave is an educator for the Turner School District.  He spent 10 years as an educator for USD 500 elementary schools, which include teaching 3rd grade for 6 years at Quindaro Elementary, and 4 years teaching 5th grade at Parker Elementary.  Throughout high school, Darian was a very active student.  He participated in many organizations including, student council, National Honors Society, acapella choir, The Marching Stallions band, and the F.L. Schlagle varsity football team.  After graduating from F.L. Schlagle High School in May of 2004, Mr. Nave attended Dodge City Community College where he also played football and became the vice president of the Student Government Association.  Once he obtained his Associates of Arts degree, Darian transferred to the University of Kansas where he continued his work as a resident assistant, gained a passion for being an orientation assistant, and joined the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Inc.  After his induction into Phi Beta Sigma, Mr. Nave served numerous positions as a member of the fraternity as president and step-team coordinator.  In June of 2009, Darian received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Kansas.  In addition to his bachelor’s degree, Darian has also received his Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University in 2018.

Wanting to continue his work with performance, Darian became the step coordinator for the Greater New Bethel Worship Center in Kansas City, KS, which he joined shortly after.  He has also served in other various positions at Greater New Bethel, including being a member of the trustee board and the senior choir.  In addition to his work in the community, Mr. Nave has been co-director for the Kansas City, KS-based drill team, The Gateway Highsteppers.  This organization that was originally started by his mother, LaVeda Davis, has grown into his passion for serving the youth of the community.  It brings joy to him being able to provide the inner-city youth with the opportunity to travel and perform all over the United States, as his role model and former band director of The Marching Stallions, Mr. Reginald May did.

Mr. Nave enjoys cooking and even has an organized tradition with his family and friends providing free meals to those in need during the Christmas holiday.

Other awards and honors that he has received include the Beyond and Above Award from Greater New Bethel Worship Center, the KCKPS Star Teacher Award for his work at Quindaro Elementary in 2018, and the Pleasure in Work Award from the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. in 2014.

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Stanton Parker, Sr. graduated from Sumner Academy and is a member of the class of 1982. As an All-State Football athlete in high school, he participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters All-Star game at Arrowhead stadium and continued his career by playing at the collegiate level. He matriculated to Emporia State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He held several leadership positions while on campus; serving as the President of the Black Student Union and Polemarch of the Mu Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Stanton also holds the distinction of being a Charter Member for the chapter at Emporia State University, which remains active today. His impact on the Kansas City, Kansas community has been wide-reaching and very impactful. As a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. he would prioritize his accomplishments in the following order: Faith, Family, Career, and Fraternity. 

Stanton currently serves as the Head Deacon of the Mt. Carmel Church of God in Christ in Kansas City, KS. He has been a Deacon for 30 years. He also serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors. He served faithfully under 2018 Reasons to Believe Honoree Bishop Ervin Sims, Jr. for over thirty years. Other leadership roles include being a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Department Leader, Vice President of the Choir, and Chairman of the Men’s Ministry. Stanton is a man of faith, integrity, and loyalty. He has received the Man of the Year award four times during his time at the church. He has been an integral member in ensuring that Mt. Carmel’s $3.5 million capital project successfully revitalized a portion of the Northeast area of KCK. Mt. Carmel’s impact on the community has been targeted, valuable, and necessary. The Redevelopment Corporation has provided housing, food, and other social services to thousands of people. Stanton previously served on the board for the Redevelopment Corporation as well. Stanton is an advocate for the youth and has been a strong role model. 

Stanton’s family has deep roots in the Kansas City Kansas Public School district. His wife, Veronica Parker, has been an educator in the school district for the past 30 years. She currently teaches reading and writing at Argentine Middle School. They recently celebrated 33 years of marriage in June. Together, they have two sons who are also alumni of KCKPS. Stanton Parker II graduated from Sumner Academy in 2008 and from the University of Kansas with his bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He currently works as a Manager at one of the largest Accounting firms in the world and is a Co-owner of the popular clothing line KCK Legends. Benjamin “Benny” Parker graduated from Sumner Academy in 2012 and from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He works as an Operations Manager within the Transportation industry. Following in his father’s footsteps, Benny was a decorated two-sport athlete at Sumner Academy; winning two State Championships for Basketball and holding multiple records in Football. Benny also played basketball in college and helped his team achieve their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1998. Stanton coached his sons in baseball and basketball and he constantly sacrifices for his family. Stanton also has many bonus sons and daughters who have considered him to be a positive male model – they affectionately call him “Pops”. 

Professionally, he currently serves as Assistant Vice President and Business Banking Center Manager for Bank Midwest. He has over 30 years of management experience and has specialized in developing high-performing teams. He is the only African American Manager in their region. His reputation has been founded based on his consistent ability to transform low-performing banking locations to the #1 banking locations within the market. One of his most recent accomplishments is that he has acquired a client with deposits of $26 million. He focuses on client service, as evidenced by his ability to maintain Client Delight Scores of 90% or better. His banking center has finished top five in the Chairman’s Bounty (national recognition) on multiple occasions: ranked #4 in 2017, and #2 in the year 2018. His impact on financial literacy is expanded when he volunteers to educate the youth and young adults about finance and banking.    

Stanton has remained active in his fraternity since becoming a member in April 1983. He has held several leadership positions in the Kansas City Alumni Chapter, who recently won the Chapter of the Year Award at the national convention. He has been the chapter’s Exchequer and currently serves on the Board of Directors. He has received recognition as the Chapter Member of the Year, due to his commitment, hard work, and value that he brings to the organization. He also advises the undergraduate chapter that he helped charter. One of the highlights of his Kappa experience was when he welcomed his son (Stanton II) into the fraternity. Stanton is the epitome of what it means to be a man of achievement in every field of human endeavor. 

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Mr. Carl Roland Jr. life’s mission is to pursue and live out his dreams while touching and helping people along the way and I believe he’s done just that, and he is certainly not finished!

Carl is a successful Entrepreneur flourishing in Business including Music, Real Estate, and Merchandising. Born and raised in Kansas City Kansas, Carl was a natural athlete with a passion for sports.  He excelled in Basketball, Baseball, and Football.  Unfortunately, an injury sidelined Carl’s sports plans permanently, giving him the time to pursue his inner passion for Music.  The discipline taught from the sports daily task of ‘practice’ carried over throughout his music career giving Carl the foundation and drive he has today to succeed in not only music but all of his business ventures.  

Carl migrated from Kansas City to Los Angeles by the age of 20.  He created his first Production Company, MoKutz, with his good friend who is also from Kansas City.  Shortly thereafter, MoKutz engaged in several joint ventures earning him multiple Gold and Platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).  During Carl’s 30-year music career, he has had the pleasure of working with some of the most influential and talented musical Artists including The Jacksons, Patti Labelle, Jamie Foxx, Seal, Adina Howard, Michael Speak and Melvin Riley as examples.  His credits include songs released on Epic/Sony Records, MCA/Universal Records, Warner Brothers Recorder, Mecca Don/Eastwest Records, RCA Records, and Perspective/A&M Records just to name a few.  One of Carl’s most notable works is with the world-renowned hit single entitled, ‘YOU’ which he co-wrote and produced from Grammy-nominated artist Jesse Powell, earning Carl his 3rd ‘RIAA’ certified Gold Record.  ‘YOU’ topped the Billboard R&B Chart at #2 and #10 on the Hot Billboard 100 Chart, earning Carl multiple awards including the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Award.  

Although quite busy with his music career, Carl ventured out into the industry of Merchandising by investing and working with a small LA-based company called Ve’Cal Printing & Advertisements.  Ve’Cal sold custom printed promotional products all over California and grew its customer base to include the state of Nevada.  Clients include known Companies such as MGM Resorts 13 properties, FOX 5, and Las Vegas McCarren International Airport.  With a 16 year successful merchandising business, Carl has partnered with his wife to launch another merchandising company with products focused on Lifestyle Active Gear For Combating Exasperation.  The company named LA’G-Force Innovations is scheduled for launch at the end of 2021. 

Carl bought his first Rental Property in the state of Nevada and eventually moved there; which is where he and his wife reside today, owning and managing a modest Real Estate Portfolio of rental properties.   

Needless to say, Carl’s journey has been adventurous and quite diverse.  Currently, Carl is still committed to all his business ventures.  In 2020, Carl birthed his first independent record label; Mu’Sonique Records (Music So Unique).  With 3 Artists including himself.  Mu’Sonique Records debuted Carl’s long-awaited and passionate Smooth Jazz album entitled “LET’S RIDE” this Valentine’s Day 2021.  Other projects include Smooth R&B Songstress, KLEO Lane with her first release entitled “SO COOL & CRAZY” debuting in 2020, and Christmas albums from Artist, Dustyy Lane entitled “DUSTYY LANE’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS” and “ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS WITH DUSTYY LANE”; with an impressive #5 position on Europe’s Indi Music Radio chart for the original single entitled, “NOW IT’S CHRISTMAS.

Never losing sight of his life’s mission, Carl has committed to extending himself by taking part in many charitable convictions.  Whether it’s donating the services of his band to organizations like B.E.A.S.T. Boxing International and Naked Athletix Community Boys & Girls Center or even organizations like Hydrating The Homeless where Carl passed out water through the trenches of the desert valley; they all have their place in Carl’s heart.  His charity extends abroad by donating his time and facility to work with an international student, taking her under his wing, and teaching the important aspects of the foundation of music, including the engineering and recording process.  And, Carl never forgets his hometown of Kansas City, Kansas by giving his production skills and free studio time to local Kansas City artists, in an effort to help struggling Artists complete music projects.  Carl has also supported 3 local radio stations Fund Drives by donating and giving his music works to the station as ‘free give-a-ways helping the station’s efforts to earn and obtain 100% of their donations.  Carl continues and is currently working with local Las Vegas nonprofit organizations and Kansas City organizations including Friends Of Yates to offer his complimentary skill and talents in support of each organization’s charitable efforts, in the years to come.  

Needless to say, Carl continues to touch the lives of everyone he comes in contact with including many families under his real estate portfolio, his giving nature through charity, and his addicting musical works that will continue to transcend through time.  Keep eyes on Carl Roland Jr.

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My relationship with Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools has been a life-long experience.  I started my education as a kindergarten student at John Fiske Elementary School.  I continued my education at Central Junior and then graduated from Argentine High School.  I was the sixth of seven children of Bob and Dolly Uhlig to graduate from Argentine High School.

During High School, I worked at the Public Library at 5th and Minnesota Avenue which housed the Board of Education offices on the third floor.  At that time the Board of Education supervised the library and KCK Junior College.  Therefore, the Board of Education was my first employer and would remain my only employer.  I graduated from KCK Jr. College.  I went on to graduate from UMKC with a degree in Elementary Education.  I was then hired by KCK Public Schools as a third-grade teacher in 1966.  I remained an employee until my retirement in 2004.  

During my tenure with KCK Public Schools, I served as an elementary teacher, the Fourth Grade Helping Teacher, and then I served as principal of Kennedy School and retired as principal of Stony Point South Elementary.  During my teaching career, I continued my education and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Webster University and later with an Education Specialist Degree from UMKC.

I was a 40-year member of Zion United Church of Christ in Kansas City, Kansas until the church closed in 2015.  During that time, I held many church offices, including being the first woman to serve as President of the Church Council.

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