On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group hosted its monthly program and meeting at the Black Archives of Mid-America-1722 E. 17th Terrace-Kansas City, MO 64108. The featured guest speaker was doctoral candidate Mr. Terrence Frazier.
Mr. Frazier is the co-founder and co-owner of C.O.L.O.R.S., which is an employee and organizational empowerment group that provides annual or quarterly professional development workshops and seminars to entrepreneurs, corporate, and skilled labor employees, as well as organizational development consulting to non-profit and for-profit companies in a variety of industries.
Mr. Frazier’s presentation, “Historical Workplace Trauma: The Mask We Wear” took us on a journey from the plantation, to Jim and Jane Crow, to the boardroom to illustrate how African Americans for generations have developed racial etiquette, when in workplace settings, to ensure that no social interactive norm is violated while behaviorally adjusting, but not always cognitively reinforcing racial hierarchies. He explored the intergenerational maladaptation and adjustment behaviors in a workplace setting that African Americans display, which could mean the difference between employment and unemployment. Whether discussing the differing approaches of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois, or other historical figures, Frazier examined the many ways African Americans have accommodated, but also been disrupters when displaying strategies of resistance that went against the social norms of their times. The audience was engaged throughout the presentation, sharing personal and family stories of racial etiquette and code-switching used to survive and thrive.
The afternoon ended with door prizes given to several attendees, including the following books: “Black Skin, White Masks” by Frantz Fanon, “Paul Laurence Dunbar: The Life and Times of a Caged Bird” by Gene Andrew Jarrett, and “It Can’t Happen Here” by Sinclair Lewis. A $25.00 QuikTrip gas card was also presented.
Shown below on the left are Larry Lester, GKCBHSG President, and Terrence Frazier, guest speaker. In the right photo are prize winners- Mickey Dean, guest, Patricia Durkin, member, Dachia Busch, guest, Terrence Frazier, guest speaker, and Latrone Slade, guest.
