The Friends of Yates Inc. will honor the accomplishments of influential African-American leaders at a program at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Yates Center, 1418 Garfield Ave., Kansas City, Kan.

   The 32nd Annual Black Men and Women of Distinction program will honor distinguished African-American men and women for their contributions to the Kansas City area community and beyond.

   This year’s Black Men and Women of Distinction nominees are Eric Ellison, Dr. Merlyne Hines Starr, Diamond Warren III, Nina Whiteside-McCord, Crystal Booker, Jaqueline Anderson, Diana Moody, Dr. Steve Green, Bettye Bagby, Carroll A. Rucker, Leslie Williams Sr., Cathy Anderson, Marsha Self, Rose Montgomery, Joseph McGlon III, Robert Jenkins, Roy Vanoy Johnson, Jonathan Taylor, Linda Robins, Irene Minor, Ethel Franklin, Camelia Stanton, Dr. Danny Stanton, Dianne King, Commissioner Tarence Maddox, Leonard Pryor, the Rev. James Wilkins, Shirley Johnson, Sorondo N. Newman, Deborah L. Thompson and Dr. Clinton Johnson.

   Highlighting the occasion will be a “Portrait of a Black Woman,” a tribute to Shelby Watson, and “Portrait of a Black Man,” a tribute to Dr. Herman Watson. Also, Betty Taliaferro will be presented with the “Donald E. Sewing Distinguished Service Award.”

   Dr. Herman Watson is a native of Kansas City, Kan., and graduated from Sumner High School in 1962. Dr. Watson, a sports lover, received a basketball scholarship to attend Drake University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts in 1966. Watson went on to complete his degree in medicine in 1970 from Kansas University. He has been very active on several boards in the community.

   Shelby Watson is the daughter of Dr. Herman Watson. Shelby was born in Kansas City, Kan., and graduated from Sumner Academy of Arts and Science in 1993. Watson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University and went on to complete her law degree from Washington University School of Law. She is currently practicing law in St. Louis, Mo., and has spent her career in the industry of interstate transportation. While at UniGroup, Watson implemented a pro bono - community service initiative in UniGroup’s Law Department. She recently received the 2011 Outstanding Achievement Public Service Award from the Washington University Black Law Students Association and The President’s Award from the Mound City Bar Association.

   Other program participants include the Rev. Desmond Lamb, Carolynn Washington, Robert (Bob) Milan, Commissioner Nathaniel (Nathan) Barnes, Commissioner Benoyd M. (Butch) Ellison, Kayla Hansley, Taylor Brown, Joan I. Almond, Rosalyn K. Brown, and Clyde Townsend.

   This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Friends of Yates Inc. at 913-321-1566.