From the Fidelity Bank Foundation studio, PBS Kansas Presents One on One with Victor Hogstrom.

This is where the stars of Kansas align for great conversation.

My guest this week is business and community leader Darryl Kelly.

Kelly has made a name for himself as a doer, a take charge leader, focused on bringing people and teams together to get hard stuff done.

A native of Newport News, Virginia, and an Air Force veteran, he currently serves as Information Systems Project Manager for Equity Bank.

In that role, he oversees the bank's technology and computer networks.

In his off time, Kelly serves on several boards and committees focused on mentoring young people and improving the quality of life for all which attends.

He was honored with the exceptional Young Leader Award by the Wichita Chamber of Commerce in 2021.

That's just the leaders of many accolades Darryl has received for his countless professional and personal achievements.

He also has a charming and accomplished family that we'll talk about as well as I go one on one with Darryl Kelly.

Hello and thank you for joining us.

I'm Victor Hogstrom.

It's a pleasure to welcome Darryl Kelly to the program.

Thank you so much, Victor, for having me.

It's a pleasure to be here.

Darryl, you seem to have emerged as a leader and role model for young African-Americans in the Wichita community.

Now, tell us about some of the things you've been involved in along those lines.

Yeah, for sure.

Well, first, let me take just a moment to give honor to my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, who's the head of my life.

And without him, I wouldn't be able to do anything that we're talking about today.

So I give him the glory for that.

But as it relates to trying to be a role model, an influence for people that that look like me, it's it's one of those things where I was brought up to be the change that you want to see.

And a lot of times we look around for folks to kind of solve problems, but we're actually the ones that need to do it.

And so I've kind of my wife and I and my family, we've kind of taken on the mantra that we want to be that change.

We want to move things forward for young black professionals in Wichita and abroad.

So we're we're excited to help out with that.

Elaborate on that a little bit.

How were you brought up and and why would you say that?

So where I'm from, it would be really called like the who, where we're from, a place that outsiders looking in might think is not the best of circumstances or situation.

But in the midst of all of that, we really had an amazing upbringing from my parents and my grandparents and my aunts and uncles to the people, our neighbors and teachers, everybody in the community.

And we were really taught to, you know, have respect for, you know, everyone, but also to really not just talk about stuff, but actually be about the business of doing it.

And so when my brothers and sister growing up, we really saw that.

And that's what we wanted to emulate and model.

And so I attribute a lot of that to my upbringing from my parents and then from our neighborhood and situations around us.

And you're from.

Newport News, Virginia, so it's an amazing place.

Like I said, the neighborhood that we grew up in wasn't necessarily the best.

There was a lot of crime, a lot of violence, a lot of poverty around us.

But from those lessons, we learned a lot of valuable things like being appreciative for the things that you do have not taken for granted, opportunities and situations.

And so it was a it was really impactful for for me and my siblings growing up on how to how to conduct yourself as an individual, as a person, as a as a believer of Christ, how to really be be the best individual person that you can be.

So, Darryl, what brought you to Wichita?

That's a really cool story.

So after I graduated college, I was kind of in a position where I didn't really know what I wanted to do.

So gone to school and took all this time to to get a degree.

But once I got out, everything didn't line up like I thought it was going to be.

So I knew that I needed to get a master's degree in order to can continue on and I didn't have money to pay for it.

I saw some commercials on TV that say, hey, the military will pay for you to go go to school.

And so I literally walked into a recruiter's office one day and said, hurry up, sign me up before I change my mind and and join the Air Force.

And soon as I sign the papers, you know, they sent me off to boot camp and in school.

And my first duty station was Wichita, Kansas.

Okay.

And so that's how my family and I got to Wichita.

So you've been working now after you left the military and you've been working in the community.

Tell us, what are some of the greatest challenges facing the African American community in Wichita today?

From your point of view?

That's a great question.

So I look at it in a couple of different ways, things that we can actually do and things that we actually need to like modify our behavior so one thing that I think that's really tangible that African Americans can can do is instead of competing, start collaborating.

And that's a really important tenet to, I think, progression and growth if we stop pulling each other down and start lifting each other up, I think we'll be a lot more effective in our approach to breaking the poverty cycle, to getting the the goods, needs and services that some of the black and brown communities are are without at this time.

And so then I think some of the things that we can do are, instead of just waiting for someone else to come in and actually do some of these things, we can we can actually start again collaborating but start working towards those goals.

So when we have common goals, when we have things that we're trying to achieve together, I believe that we can we can do a lot in this community.

And so that's hopefully what my wife and my family we're trying to model that behavior.

And then hopefully people see, you know, like, man, that seems like it works.

Let's do it.

So I'm excited about some of the things that are happening in the community and we're excited to be a part of it.

What excites you?

What's happening that excites you?

So one really cool thing I have what I call passion projects and want one is the revitalization of the historic Dunbar Theater on 9th and Cleveland.

And it's the concept from Mr. James and Susie Arbertha, to have a cultural arts multicultural arts center in the epicenter of the the historically black and brown community and what that idea I really gravitated towards it because I know that the arts is it's big for the African-American community.

But then there's some economic development and and things that we know can move the community forward that can stem from that.

So from one year, we'll just call it domino, like the revitalizing the historic Dunbar Theater to become a multi cultural arts center.

But from that will come all these really cool housing projects, all the getting a grocery store, getting business, viable businesses in the area.

And so now we're looking at building out a community and we've seen that happen in different parts of town.

And we know that the the model is is good.

I think the Dunbar Theater could be like one of those dominoes.

So when the first domino falls and then all the rest of them fall after that.

So I'm excited about projects like that.

And that takes a lot of the money.

How do you plan to do that?

Takes a lot of money.

And we need... it takes a village in it's definitely going to take a village to to do something like this.

Right now, we're looking at about $18 million for the whole campus, two to revitalize and get everything so to where it needs to be.

But the money is here.

I'm less worried about the money, actually, more worried about the mindset.

Once we get our minds wrapped around things, once we understand how this one particular project not only benefits that community, but benefits the city and the region as a whole, then I think it'll be easy.

So I'm all about getting the right people in the room at the right time that can make those decisions.

Getting the right people in the right seats at the right time in.

The room, right?

Yes, sir.

Who is Darryl?

Today.

Tell us, who are you?

Wow, that's a great question.

So, I. I recently lost my job and the prior job that I had, and that really took me through an amazing kind of journey.

Right?

My identity was tied to my work.

I thought that if I had this job or had this title or had this, that is that that was narrow.

But through that, I really learned that that's not who I was.

I wasn't that was just a part of me.

But that's not who I was.

And I really I was really blessed to be able to have some time off to really kind of wrap my head around what are the things that I want to do, what are the things that drive me?

What are the things that I'm passionate about?

And so this, Darryl, this in talking to you right now, Victor is a lot more clear eyed, a lot more purposeful in the things that I do and the things that I say.

And so I'm really excited to be at the point that I'm at right now in my life.

I have an amazing wife, amazing children.

I have wonderful family friends and a great support system.

So the Darryl that you see now is about my actions have to line up with my words.

So if I say something Im gonna do it.

And if I don't have anything to say that I'm going to keep my mouth shut.

So that's the Darryl you're talking to right now.

So how do you see yourself different from others?

I, I don't really look at it that way.

I, I know that God has a purpose for my life and a plan for my life.

And the main thing that I want to do is honor Him and glorify Him and everything that I do.

And so that's whether I'm at work or being a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, whatever the case might be.

Neighbor.

Those are the things that are I want to do.

I want to make sure that when people see me, they see Christ.

And that's that that's all I'm trying to do.

So I'm trying to help people out any way that I can and be a part of the solution and not be a part of the problem.

You talked about losing your job, but you do have a job.

So I work for Equity Bank, one of the assistant vice presidents there.

I work in I.T.

and just so fortunate to have found a wonderful family in Equity Bank.

And really, we're doing some amazing stuff there.

So I'm really excited to be at Equity and what we're doing and how we're growing is is pretty amazing.

Darryl, how would you be a different man today were it not for your military service?

Did that play a significant role in your life?

Wow.

So when I joined the military, I joined I think I said earlier to get a master's degree and, you know, I was able to accomplish that and it worked out really well.

But what I did not anticipate or expect was meeting all the heroes.

I mean, all over the world, I've I've been able to to meet and work alongside with some of the most amazing people that you've you've ever met and their dedication to this country, their dedication to, you know, their family and protecting, you know, our our freedoms that we have now is amazing.

So when when I when I think back and I ponder, like, what did my time mean?

It it my time in the military, it really allowed me to see, first of all, that there are some people that are extremely dedicated and focused to this country and the protection of it.

But then it also brought out the leader in me.

So my whole life I've people have seen something in me that I didn't see a myself.

And so the military really brought that out of me.

And, you know, I was put in charge-- You know, I went into the military a lot older and I was put in charge of some, you know, amazing young troops that really I mean, that's who's doing a lot of the work protecting our country.

But I was able to lead them and try to grow them professionally and personally.

And that changed my life.

So when I got out, I it wasn't a question of, you know, if I was ready.

It was just what what what issue or thing was I going to tackle next.

And so as a result of that, the Chamber-- Greater Wichita Chamber of Commerce, recognized you recently about two years ago.

Yes, sir.

With an award.

Yeah, I was-- that was pretty shocking.

So the exceptional Young Leader Award and it was a really amazing and you know, honor to receive that award basically for my contributions to the city, to the chamber and basically doing things outside of my job description.

Like what I go to work to do from 8 to 5.

But really being involved in a lot of things outside of that and it has provided me a lot to do, I can pick up the phone and call certain people now and they answer it because several contacts.

Things like that, right now.

You mentioned your wife earlier and your family.

Your wife is Jaci Kelly and she is the city attorney for the city of Bel Aire.

And we had on this program, yes, about two years ago, she.

Mentions that to me, that she beat me to being on the show.

So she has me on that one for sure.

But on that show you made a guest appearance.

Did make a guest.

Yes.

So let's watch a clip of that.

Oh, wow.

And Darryl and I grew up together, so we were I mean, we would have known each other since we were like 15.

And so the neat thing about us is we started as friends, young friends, and we've kind of, like Darryl said, figured out this life thing together.

So we're we're on the same page like we're so on the same page.

Well, that is a good thing.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So, Darryl, so do you agree on everything that you still agree with?

What was that?

Absolutely.

Definitely if Jaci's watching?

I definitely agree.

So how did you all meet?

We met in high school.

And what was so neat about it.

We met in a it was a college preparatory class.

And Jaci tells this story all the time.

But I guess I had all of my things together, like I had all my papers and college applications and scholarships, all that kind of stuff together when Jaci saw that her desk just kind of floated towards mine, and we've been together ever since.

I have an amazing wife.

I mean, she is she is my better half.

And what we try to do is be an example for our kids.

We have amazing kids, but we try to be an example for them as as a young black couple.

And we really try to help anyone that, you know, needs help.

So that's our passion.

So would that be your parenting philosophy?

So I'll tell you a cool story.

So on.

In this past Thanksgiving, we usually have-- it's a service day for us.

So we either go volunteer at a soup kitchen or or somewhere and, you know, handing out or donating food.

This year, we weren't able to go.

My my wife and I weren't able to go.

But my kids said Dad, we're going whether you all go or not.

And they went and volunteered at Bethel Life Church and and were able to do some really cool things to help out people during that time.

So those are the kind of things that make us proud as parents.

But I think they saw that kind of actions and they're resembling that.

And so we know train up a child the way they should go.

And when they grow older, they want to pass.

So that's our philosophy.

We try to model the behavior for them to act out.

What is the biggest mistake that young people make today, Darryl?

You've been working with young people in this community.

Wow.

That's a that's a really good question.

I think maybe not have enough patience to really get a full grasp on the situation.

Sometimes people make rash decisions, and I think sometimes that can hurt.

I'm all for like-- part of my goal is to attract retain and develop young talent period in Wichita and thats a really big deal like our biggest export is talent.

And so we're just we want to make sure that we keep it here.

But I think some younger professionals are just they think the grass is greener on the other side and they jump ship maybe before they get a full explanation or rundown.

You saying patience is the key.

Patience is a virtue.

What is the biggest mistake that you've made?

I really don't look at it like that, Victor.

I look at it like everything happens for a reason.

Everything that has happened in my life has happened for a reason now that I like some of the outcomes now, but I think I've learned from it.

I think you learn the biggest lessons from either failures or mistakes.

So I don't call them mistakes, I just call them opportunities for growth or opportunities to learn.

What about the best decision?

The best decision you've made?

That's pretty easy.

So choosing Christ was the best decision I've ever made.

Next would be marrying Jaci and then definitely our kids are our bright spot in our lives.

Okay, Darryl we play a little game on this program, as you probably know.

And I like to start a sentence and you finish it.

Okay.

All right.

The first one, I just can't get enough of.

Seriously good TV.

Okay, thats a good one.

Okay?

I'm so tired of.

And don't say Seriously Good TV.

Inaction.

Okay.

Sometimes I wish.

I was about to do the Gatorade commercial that, you know, like I was Michael Jordan.

I don't think I wish for anything.

I'm either.

Like I say, I'm either going to do something about it or I'm not going to talk about it.

So people who disagree with me on politics are.

Probably everybody because I don't-- I'm not in politics.

Do you have any political ambition?

So I've been I said I accused you of trying to run to be mayor.

I've been asked that question quite a bit.

And, you know, my first answer was absolutely not.

Right now I'll just say stay tuned.

Okay.

So then people who disagree with me on politics are.

I don't know if I met anybody that disagreed with me.

Okay.

The famous person I'm most admire is.

Man, these are some good questions.

Is there a famous person I most admire?

I'm going to change it up for you just a little bit.

Oh, the people I most admire, my parents.

Are they famous?

To me.

Yes.

Okay, that's good enough.

So what is your guiding light in times of trouble?

So when I find myself in predicaments where, me myself personally, I can't get out.

I turn to my Bible, I turn to prayer, and then I either consult with my pastor or my wife.

Then usually my friends.

I have a really good support system.

So that's what I tend to.

Any goal yet to be accomplished.

I'm just getting started.

Victor, you know.

Oh, wow.

Yeah.

The best is yet to come.

Best is yet to come.

It's a lot a lot of areas that, quite frankly, need a, you know, someone with a vision and someone that's ready to take action.

So I think I'm just getting started.

Any pet peeves that you have?

I like to keep my car clean and that's probably a pet peeve.

What would you consider your yardstick for success?

Oh, when I come home, if my kids tell me they're proud of me, I think that's good.

And my final question, what do you enjoy best about life at your age right now?

Right now, I'm loving life primarily because I'm a little more clear eyed on what my purpose is.

And so right now, each day is getting sweeter and sweeter.

I'm enjoying my marriage.

I'm enjoying my children, my joy, my work, and I'm enjoying the things that were we're doing in the community.

I think that's impactful.

So I'm I'm loving life right now, Victor.

Alright.

I enjoyed speaking with you Darryl Kelly, thank you so much.

God bless you.

Thank you Victor.

Yes.

And thank you for watching this edition of One on One.

oneonone@org is our email address.

If you have a question or comment, we always like hearing from you.

Until next time.

I'm Victor Hogstrom and I'll see you again soon.