About the Kelsy Beshears Racial Justice Award
Kelsy B. Beshears is recognized as one of the most influential figures in the Civil Rights Movement in St. Joseph. A former educator and trailblazer, she was the first elected president of the St. Joseph NAACP Branch. Throughout her life, Beshears was a dedicated advocate for racial justice, organizing boycotts and community efforts to challenge inequality. She achieved several historic milestones, including becoming the first Black woman to serve on a criminal jury in Buchanan County and the founder of the St. Joseph Human Rights Commission. Celebrated as an "Unsung Hero," Beshears lived to be 100 years old, leaving behind a powerful legacy of courage, leadership, and community impact.
Today, we honor her legacy by recognizing individuals and groups that demonstrate exceptional commitment and action towards achieving racial equality and justice.