JCRB|AJC invites you to save the date for a special celebration honoring civic and community leader Bill Berkley, Chairman and CEO of Tension Corporation. Join us as we present him with the prestigious Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award at our annual Human Relations Event on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Event Chairs include: Mayra Aguirre, Dr. Marc Hahn, Mark Jorgenson, Anne St. Peter, Maurice Watson, and Debbie Wilkerson.

For decades, Bill has worked tirelessly to strengthen and expand opportunities for all Kansas Citians and regionally. Like Henry W. Bloch, for whom the Human Relations Award is named, Bill exemplifies a quiet brand of leadership that uplifts and unifies. A well-known consensus-builder and changemaker, Bill inspires others to mobilize and collaborate in the collective building of a better Kansas City.

We are delighted to honor Bill, whose leadership and commitment to an inclusive community truly embody the spirit of our mission. The Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award is given each year to a leader in Kansas City who demonstrates exceptional moral and civic leadership in making our region a better place in which to live. Known equally for his humility and civic dedication, Bill has focused significantly on advancing education from early childhood to post-secondary education and the world of work, the life sciences, economic development, and regionalism through his leadership in numerous organizations including BioNexus KC, Urban Neighborhood Initiative, Civic Council of Kansas City, The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and The Heartland Civic Collaborative.

It was no surprise when Bill was named Kansas Citian of the Year in 2022 by the KC Chamber of Commerce. Bill has a long history of hands-on service to build our community.

As JCRB|AJC celebrates its 80th year in 2024, we cannot imagine a better way to mark this occasion than by paying tribute to a community leader who encapsulates our organization's values and commitment to building community.

It is with heavy hearts that we reflect on the meaningful life of longtime friend and leader of JCRB|AJC, Bert Berkley. Click the link to find out more.

Please click the link below to read a letter from our Board President, Barry Kaseff, introducing our Interim Executive Director, Neta Meltzer!