The late Rev. Dr. Nelson L. “Fuzzy” Thompson served the community and the Kansas City Southern Leadership Conference for many years.  His interest and involvement were legendary.  He served as President/CEO of the KC Southern Christian Leadership Conference from 1984 until his home going in January 2015.

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He was Pastor of Mason Memorial United Methodist Church from 1991- 2005 and retired June 30, 2005.  He was Executive Director of the Martin Luther King Urban Center, Inc. KC KS – 30 years, 1968-1998.  He served as Chairman of the Nominating Committee for Freedom, Inc. Reverend Thompson was appointed by Mayor Cleaver to the Human Rights Commission-1992 and served as Chairman since 1997.  He hosted “Community Solutions” radio program – noon Saturdays on Gospel 590 KPRT.

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Former Chairman, Jackson County Sports Authority, he was Co-Convener of the Black Agenda Group.  He was known for his broad smile and his hearty handshake and was recognized with the Kansas City Kindness Award in April 2007.

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Reverend Thompson’s involvement was global.  He traveled to Tehran to lead Easter services for hostages in 1980 and was invited by Bishop TuTu, Nelson Mandela and the South African Council of Churches on a fact-finding exchange in 1990 and in 1994 was one of 17 U.S. ministers and activists who served as official observers for the first all-race elections ever held in South Africa.

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SCLC Greater Kansas Cities newly elected leadership board, including its President, Dr. Vernon Percy Howard, Jr., and Chairman of the Board, Attorney Wesley Fields, Esq. pay tribute to the many works of Rev. Dr. Nelson L. “Fuzzy” Thompson”.  He will forever be remembered by SCLC-GKC, the Kansas City community, and our partners across this nation and world!