Chancellor’s Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

Hill Harper is a humanitarian, an award-winning actor, best-selling author, and entrepreneur. Harper starred in ABC’s #1 television drama, The Good Doctor, as well as in numerous television and film projects including CSI:NY, He Got Game and Lackawanna Blues. Harper has served as the National Spokesperson for several leading social justice organizations including The Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Innocence Project, One Fair Wage; and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the National Black Bank Fund and was named Honorary National Co-Chair of the Redevelopment of Black Wall Street. President Obama appointed Harper to the President's Cancer Panel, where he contributed to shaping cancer policy recommendations to the White House.

Additionally, Harper has authored four New York Times bestsellers: Letters to a Young Brother, Letters to a Young Sister, Letters to an Incarcerated Brother, The Conversation and his award-winning book, The Wealth Cure. that addresses ways to solve the racial wealth gap. Letters to a Young Brother and was named “Best Book for Young Adults” by the American Library Association. Harper has been recognized with seven NAACP Image Awards, for his writing and acting. As an extension of his empowerment books, Harper founded the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation and established The Pierce and Hill Harper Arts Foundation.

Harper graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and was named Valedictorian of his department. Harper then graduated with a J.D. (cum laude) from Harvard Law School, as well as with a Master’s Degree with honors from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He holds ten honorary doctoral degrees including doctorates from Howard University, Providence College, and Dillard University. Harper is a proud Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. As an investor and business owner, Harper owns The Roasting Plant, a successful coffee franchise in downtown Detroit, is co-founder of A-Frame Brands and is co-owner of the award-winning New Orleans hotel, International House. Additionally, he sits on the Board of Directors of LOVED01, John Legend’s successful skincare brand. Harper owns several commercial and residential rental properties in Detroit, Los Angeles and Newark, NJ.

The Alvin Brooks Kansas Citian of the Year Award honors an individual whose everyday actions reflect a deep commitment to community betterment and the values of Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Metropolitan Community College is proud to present the 2026 award to Lisa Ginter, CEO of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Lisa is a celebrated civic leader in Kansas City and has dedicated her career to helping people and businesses thrive and achieve financial peace of mind. Under her leadership, CommunityAmerica continues to be a driving force for financial well-being, expanding access to education and personalized coaching that empower individuals and families to thrive at every life stage.

Her dedication to economic empowerment and uplifting others continues to make a lasting impact throughout our region. Widely recognized as a national leader in the credit union movement, Lisa’s influence extends far beyond Kansas City. Her vision, advocacy, and commitment to service continues to inspire the next generation of leaders to pursue positive change.

Kevin Holmes is the Evening News Anchor and Reporter for KSHBTV, bringing more than 20 years of experience to the Kansas City airwaves. A six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, Kevin earned Mid-America Regional Emmy Awards for Best Anchor in both 2021 and 2022. That same year, he was named Best Anchor by the Missouri Broadcasters Association.

Under Kevin’s leadership, KSHB-TV received its first-ever Missouri Broadcasters Association Award for Station of the Year. He made history as the first Black male anchor appointed to Kansas City’s 10 p.m. newscast, and as one half of the city’s first all-Black primary evening anchor team.

Beyond the newsroom, Kevin is a dedicated mentor, working with students in the Kansas City Public School District and through the Urban Ranger Corps. He also spearheaded the “Gift of Sole” campaign, raising nearly $400,000 over four years to provide more than 5,000 pairs of shoes for underserved children in Kansas City.