Terance Williams, a Kansas City native, joins the Westport Historical Society Board of Directors with a strong background in arts advocacy and community service. As a creative force and philanthropist, Terance has dedicated his life to supporting and uplifting local artists. He founded the Music & More Foundation in 2000, which issues small grants to nonprofits supporting the arts in Kansas City.
In 2012, Terance launched Bold Young Poets, now known as PoetsEdu, an after-school program that brings local poets into schools to mentor students in creative writing and public speaking. His commitment to education and mentorship continued with the creation of the PoetsEdu Grant in 2021 and the PoetsEdu Scholarship Fund in 2022, supporting students pursuing studies in arts, humanities, and communications.
Terance's passion for poetry and community engagement has led him to produce numerous events at prominent venues, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Unicorn Theatre, and the Missouri State Capitol. He also created the #PoetryOnTheVine series, a hub for poets in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District.
In addition to his work with PoetsEdu, Terance serves on the board of KUAW Internet Radio, where he has developed several shows hosted by local artists. He has also established multiple grants, including the Here We Grow Grant to support garden clubs and the Poetry on The Vine Grant to foster the local poetry scene.
Terance’s dedication to community and the arts is evident through his extensive involvement with various organizations, including the Black Family Technology Awareness Association, the Black Archives of Mid-America, and the Metropolitan Community College Foundation. His tireless efforts to create opportunities for artists and his commitment to the cultural enrichment of Kansas City make him a valuable addition to the Westport Historical Society Board of Directors.