Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee will honor civic leader and civil rights activist Alvin Brooks with the prestigious Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award at its annual Human Relations Event on Sunday, October 30.
The event will be chaired by civic leaders U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II, Shirley Bush Helzberg, Leo Morton, Robert J. Reintjes, Sr., and Adam P. Sachs.
For decades, Brooks has been a leader in Kansas City with his dedication to civil rights, violence prevention, religious tolerance, and criminal justice advocacy. He has served many positions throughout his career, including serving as a Kansas City, Missouri, police officer; becoming the first Black department director in Kansas City government; serving as a Kansas City Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem; and founding and directing the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime.
Some of Brooks’ awards include his appointment by President George H.W. Bush to the President’s National Drug Advisory Council, and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon appointed him to the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners.
JCRB|AJC’s Human Relations Award honors the legacy of Henry W. Bloch, whose leadership and integrity set a benchmark for community activism.
“Alvin’s lifelong commitment to bringing people together encapsulates the spirit of the award,” JCRB|AJC Board President Karen Glickstein said. “He is a true public servant representing the very best of our community.”
