Hosted by the Cultural Enrichment Center, Division of Educational Innovation and Global Programming, in collaboration with the Art Gallery at KCKCC.
7250 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66112
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Jerry Pope is an accomplished higher education leader with over 20 years at KCKCC. He oversees five academic divisions and has led major initiatives in accreditation, academic planning, and workforce-aligned program development. His leadership was key in removing KCKCC from HLC probation and launching reforms like guided pathways and program learning outcomes. A strong advocate for student success, Jerry has improved retention, completion, and transfer/employment outcomes, while promoting data-informed decision-making and faculty development. His previous roles include Dean, Professor of Music, and Department Coordinator, where he demonstrated collaborative leadership and effective governance. Jerry holds degrees in Religion and Piano Performance, with doctoral coursework from UMKC. Active in the arts and social justice, he has served on nonprofit boards and led community fundraising. A dedicated educator and pianist, Jerry is passionate about advancing community colleges through inclusive, innovative leadership.
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Dr. Shawn Derritt is an award-winning Gospel Recording Artist who is passionate about creating a listening experience that helps listeners transcend their current circumstances, allowing them to encounter God's love and peace.
He is a multifaceted professional with a wide range of experience. In addition to being a Certified Life Coach and Motivational Speaker, Dr. Derritt serves as a Worship Leader at Sheffield Family Life Center. He has more than 25 years experience in higher education. Dr. Derritt is also an adjunct faculty member at KCKCC and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), and he has been a guest lecturer at the University of Kansas (KU).
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Kamiasha Moses Tyner was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and considers herself to have an inherited gift of genealogy. She has coined the phrase, "Familial Connection Professional Genealogist." To here, that means most family historians or genealogists focus on the research side of it, the migration patterns, the "Finding Your Slave Owner" side. Kamiasha is a little different. Yes, those things play a part in the journey, but what's the point in knowing all about the people that lived in the 1800's, then not know that you went to school with your blood cousins? In 2023, Dignified Descendants LLC was created. Not only does she dive deep into her own family history, but she takes pride in helping others experience the type of joy and fulfillment that she has found through research. |
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LeShea and The Fellas are providing soulful sounds for the celebration. Vocalist, LeShea Wright, a KCKCC graduate is joined by Eric Rankin (keys), Stephen Cubit (bass) and Courtney Byars (percussion). LeShea and The Fellas are one of Kansas City’s premiere live bands and can be seen at music venues locally and beyond. Known primarily for performing R&B and Neo-Soul hits, however, they are quite versatile in many genres. Audiences at one of their shows might be treated to covers from anyone from Beyoncé to Tina Turner, to Ella Fitzgerald to Biggie Smalls. We are jazzed up to have these phenomenal artists back for the third year in a row to celebrate with us.
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LaShea and The Fellas serving up sweet melodies. |
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DJ Joe amps up a crowd. |
Joseph Straws, III, popularly known as DJ Joe is back to get the Juneteenth crowd moving. Straws is a KCKCC graduate from the Audio Engineering program. He is the owner and consulting engineer for 2 the MAAXE. Straws was voted the winner of the Kansas City People’s Choice Award in 2024, an honor which is well deserved. You have likely seen Joe providing sounds for some of the most popular spaces and events across the metro such as the Nelson Atkin’s Museum of Art (Third Thursdays, The Big Picnic), Boulevardia, and the KC Riverfest. Even with access to such big platforms, Joe remains humble, often giving back to local schools DJ-ing middle and elementary school dances. Get ready to get out of your seat and put your “Boots on the Ground” with DJ Joe’s sounds. |
