Kelsy Beshears (1898 – January 16,1999 ) was a well known civil rights leader, whose work made a significant difference in St. Joseph’s struggle for civil rights. She was a spokesperson for St. Joseph’s oppressed and was active in local politics and the NAACP.

Kelsy started in St Joseph as a social worker in 1946 and at that time the inequalities were evident. Black people were not welcome at St Joseph’s best hotels downtown and movie theaters, and there were separate YMCA and YWCA facilities. She fought illiteracy and helped instill hope in black youth. She lead efforts to integrate St. Joseph’s schools. She worked to provide more employment opportunities. Through her diligent efforts several of her concerns were taken into the courts and things did improve in St Joseph.

Kelsy Beshears was President of the Local and State NAACP and served on many national committees. She attended 46 NAACP conventions and maintained many friendships and connections there.

She developed the first low income housing complex in St Joseph, Brookdale East Apartments in 1969.

In 1989 she was named St. Joseph’s Distinguished Citizen. In 1997 Missouri Western State College recognized Kelsy Beshears by naming a dormitory in her honor. The NAACP and the St. Joseph YWCA also established the Kelsy Beshears Humanitarian Award in 1997. Kelsy Beshears dedicated her life to this cause.