BOB KENDRICK, President NLBM: Bob Kendrick has served as President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) since 2011, leading its resurgence and financial stability. The NLBM, founded in 1990, is the only museum dedicated to preserving African-American baseball history and its impact on social progress. Kendrick began as a volunteer while working at The Kansas City Star, later joining the museum as Director of Marketing in 1998 and becoming Vice President in 2009. He briefly left in 2010 but returned to guide the museum’s nearly $20 million turnaround. He has created signature programs like the Hall of Game, honoring MLB greats who played in the spirit of the Negro Leagues. A sought-after authority on Negro Leagues history, Kendrick has written for Ebony Magazine and the Urban League’s Opportunity Magazine. His accolades include the Mary Lona Diversity Award, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame induction, and multiple “Person of the Year” honors. In 2021, he received honorary doctorates from Judson University and William Jewell College. A native of Crawfordville, Ga., Kendrick earned a basketball scholarship in college. His leadership continues to elevate the NLBM’s mission and legacy.