IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION recognizing High Aspirations on the occasion of its Mentors Challenge event, featuring keynote speaker Coach Ken Carter, to be held November 3, 2023, at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21456, October 30, 2023
INTRODUCED BY Manuel Abarca IV and DaRon McGee, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, High Aspirations, an organization dedicated to elevating the aspirations of African-American males, enriching their lives spiritually, emotionally, socially, and academically, will be hosting its annual Mentors Challenge event on November 3, 2023, at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown; and,
WHEREAS, the Mentors Challenge event will feature Coach Ken Carter, known for his transformative approach to education and athletics, and the subject of the 2005 film Coach Carter; and,
WHEREAS, the Mentors Challenge seeks to honor the young men who are investing in their own futures through the High Aspirations program, alongside the mentors whose guidance and support are instrumental in their successes; and,
WHEREAS, the Mentors Challenge event will also include the Robert B. “Bob” Rogers Legacy Award recipient, Michael Carter, a longtime advocate and now Board Member of High Aspirations, whose dedication to the community and legacy within the Carter Broadcast Group exemplify the values of High Aspirations; and,
WHEREAS, High Aspirations' visionary approach to establishing a faith-based mentoring program within the heart of our community is poised to shape the leaders of tomorrow, fostering increased social capacity and a higher quality of life for all, starting within the inner city, and resonating globally; and,
WHEREAS, High Aspirations' unwavering commitment to providing quality mentorship has yielded remarkable achievements, including a 17% improvement in GPAs among its young men, as well as facilitating pathways to college, military service, trade professions, and stable employment; and,
WHEREAS, since its inception in 2003 and subsequent incorporation in 2010 High Aspirations has positively impacted hundreds of lives, continually evolving and expanding its programs in response to the needs of Kansas City's at-risk, black male youth; and,
WHEREAS, the strategic plan recently approved by High Aspirations' Board of Directors demonstrates a clear dedication to growth, with a vision to reach and positively influence 280 young men through carefully designed stages of mentorship, recruitment, and program enhancement; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri that the Legislature hereby commends and celebrates High Aspirations for its exceptional efforts in uplifting and empowering African American males and extends best wishes for a successful Mentors Challenge event on November 3, 2023.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21456 of October 30, 2023, was duly passed on October 30, 2023 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas ______9_________ Nays ______0________
Abstaining ____0_____ Absent _____0_______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature