State of Kansas House of Representatives recognition of Curtis Pitts' public service.
Voted one of the “Top 10 Up and Coming African American Leaders in the United States" by the Coretta Scott King of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Curtis Pitts is an award-winning community activist, respected motivational/keynote speaker and noted philanthropist.
Curtis earned his bachelor’s degree in General Studies with minors in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Fort Hays State University and has studied at the prestigious Scholars Institute at the King Center for Nonviolent Social Changes in Atlanta, Georgia. He currently serves as the President and CEO of the International Institute to Improve Race Relations in addition to working as an independent lobbyist and public speaker.
Curtis has spoken at over 900 national, regional, and state conferences and has received numerous awards from man prestigious organizations. His four decades of activism and race relations expertise make him a dynamic speaker and a sought-after trainer and organizer.
Over 40 years of civil rights experience, 25+ years of race relations mediation, more than 20 years of developing urban and sustainable communities, and over 30 years of organizing gang prevention programs at the grassroots level has equipped Curtis Pitts with the knowlege and experience individuals, communities and organizations need in the increasingly complex world of modern race relations.
What services does Curtis Pitts offer to help my organization?
Curtis Pitts offers motivational speaking on a myriad of race relations-related topics. He offers organizational support for implementing successful gang prevention/suppression programs and stay-in-school approaches to ensuring high-risk and at-risk students succeed. He also offers introductory and advanced training workshops on improving race relations for law enforcement and other organizations trying to navigate the complex world of modern race relations.
Previous Position: Kansas Department of Children and Families Program Consultant Outreach Coordinator
As the Department’s Outreach Coordinator, Curtis was involved with "Work for Success" participants and contractual providers and many associated community organizations.
Curtis served as the DCF’s "boots on the ground" by:
- Attended Grantee and clients meetings
- Attended potential Clients Court dates to see if the father/NCP is a worthy candidate for the Work For Success program.
- Attended community workshops, career fairs, cultural, and faith events to present or setup information booths about the Work For Success program and other DCF programs.
- Made one visit per quarter to the home office of the contracted service providers and their classroom sessions.