Where were you born and raised?
Kansas City, Missouri.
What is your occupation?
Clarke Family Consulting and Oak Park neighborhood president.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
My mom taking me to Oak Park and teaching me how to pitch, hit and throw. Winning a State Championship in 12 & under baseball at 10 years old. Growing up black in Kansas City. The 43rd street Boys Club.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Remembering those leaders who trail-blazed before me. Men like Bernard Powell, Leon Jordan, Alex Harris, Ollie Gates and Calvn Wainright.
What do you believe is the most important issue currently facing the Black community?
Separation! We live in a divided city as well as a divided race and community. Where others are allowed to build in my neighborhood and buy houses.
When did you realize you were Black in America and what has that meant for your life?
The moment my parents told me the playing field was uneven and no matter what I had to be the that I could be and then I realized in a very short time that my parents were right by the way I was treated in places I had been in a america.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration to push for change?
My parents, my wife, kids and grandkids. All my coaches, my big brother Calvin Wainright and my closest friend Forest Tyson Jr. Being selected as the 2018 Phillips 66 Hometown Hero, the 2018 Big 12 award, the 2015 Ford Motor car award, the 2017 Alvin Brooks award and the 2019 National Trailblazer award. My run for third district city council and a team member for the first African American flag placed in front of a city building in Kansas City Missouri (the Bruce R.Watkins Heritage & Cultural center). These are things that I committed to making changes in our city and community. Creating jobs and opportunities for our youth. Fighting every summer to make sure that the kids in this city have a safe place to play basketball at Pat Clarke Outdoor Arena. I’m also responsible for the PIAC request for three others courts in the inner-city. We’re building Oak Park townhomes at 38th & 39th & Prospect and also currently working on a skating rink and bowling alley along Brushcreek and the redevelopment of Satchel Paige stadium.
How have you supported or contributed to the local Black community?
Waking up with the intent to make changes in the city I live in everyday. A leaders job is to lead others in the direction that one needs to go.“What you do for others today, may not show up until tomorrow." - Pat Clarke
