Emiel Cleaver has more than ten years of experience in video production. He earned a B.A. in English Literature from Philander Smith College in 1994. After graduation, his first employment was as a Production Specialist at Metro Sports in Kansas City, Missouri, where he worked on several sports shows.

As an entrepreneur, Mr. Cleaver owns his own production company, Davenport Media & Film, and has promoted concerts, organized special events and has directed several music videos, a short film, and several mini documentaries, ranging from hip hop group Soul Servers to jazz legend Amahad Alaaden. In addition, Cleaver has compiled an impressive collection of music videos some of which can be seen on Youtube.com on his channel page ECleaver1.

In 2006 Cleaver began working at the American Jazz Museum where he directed tours and videotaped jazz concerts. Coupled with his love of music and an appreciation of the arts, and a desire to enhance his video production skills, he returned to school to formalize his experience by earning a Dean’s Certificate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City completing an extensive preparatory program in the University’s Film and Media Arts Department. Cleaver also completed the M.A. Liberal Studies Program with an emphasis in Film Production & Black Studies.

Mr. Cleaver has worked as a Videographer and Promotions Manager at Phillips-West Public Relations & Communications, a Kansas City-based firm, where he has handled interactive promotions as well as videotaping such projects as the American Jazz Museum’s 10th Anniversary, various Kansas City Power & Light District events, the proposed Troost Bus Rapid Transit, the 40th Anniversary of the Signing of the Fair Housing Act for the City’s Human Relations Department, and A Celebration of Black Films.

Cleaver is currently working with as an independent contractor, videotaping special events for organizations throughout the Kansas City Metro area and recently finished a documentary about Freedom Incorporated, the oldest African American political organization in the country.