Local StoriesFebruary 21, 2022

Conversations with Terrell Ray

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrell Ray.

Hi Terrell, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I started off hosting parties in my early 20s. With the assistance of social media, my influence grew and I began hosting larger events like concerts and fashion/hair shows. In April 2012, I started Stop The Violence KC as a way to have a positive influence in our city and culture. I wanted to speak out against the crime and murders that have taken so many lives.

I switched my focus from “stop the violence” to working with our youth, which opened the door for me to create Our Children Their Future. Since the incorporation of the two organizations, I have held several workshops, community events and outreach programs. One particular workshop I am most proud about is The Crew Empowerment Workshop. This workshop allows men from the Kansas City community to assist young boys ages 10 & up with key life essentials such as teaching them how to tie a tie, how to write a resume, the importance of credit, how to dress for an interview, and other life skills.

In June of 2019, while watching the BET Awards, I came up with an idea to create an event that would recognize and honor individuals, businesses, and entrepreneurs within the Kansas City urban core. That idea would become The Kansas City People’s Choice Awards. August of 2022, we will celebrate our fourth year in existence and hope to have many more years of support and success!

We have been able to accomplish a lot, and it’s all because of those who support the awards and want it to succeed.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Whenever you create something that involves voting for a large group of people, you will be met with heavy criticism.

In the first year of the awards, we faced doubters and many people who did not understand the value the Kansas City People’s Choice Awards bring. It’s hard hearing and reading comments from our own people who did not support the awards. However, as we grew, the support also grew.

We have been able to accomplish a lot, and it’s all because of those who support the awards and want to see them expand.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Some would say I am a promoter, an influencer and possibly even a humanitarian. I would consider myself a voice for my city. My comedic personality earned me the title “The Jerk” but I also have earned the respect to be called The Mayor. This title was given to me because of the community work I have done, the support I have given and by exposing local businesses that operate under racial practices.

One of my social media friends gave me the name Mayor a few years ago. I ran with it and joked about running for Mayor of Kansas City before Mayor Quinton Lucas won office. Who knows, a career in politics might be next for me

Contact Info:

Email: kcpcawards@gmail.com
Website: www.kcpcawards.com (will be ready in April)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcpcawards
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCPeoplesChoiceAwards
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcpcawards

Image Credits
Fabutainment, Jerome Hutchinson Photography, H Ervin Photography, and Pasavia Janeise

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