IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION honoring the life and achievements of Clara Reyes, founder of Dos Mundos bilingual newspaper, who passed away on February 17, 2024, at the age of 86.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21551, February 26, 2024
INTRODUCED BY Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, Clara Reyes, founder and owner of Dos Mundos, a bilingual newspaper in Kansas City, passed away on February 17, 2024, at the age of 86; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Reyes is recognized in the community as a cherished wife, mother, boss, trailblazer, mentor, and advocate; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Reyes's profound impact extended beyond her immediate family, inspiring countless Hispanic and English-speaking readers throughout the Kansas City area as the founder and owner of Dos Mundos, a local publication dedicated to bridging communities and providing vital information; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Reyes's resilience in the face of adversity, including her battle with stage four metastatic breast cancer, exemplified her unwavering commitment to ensuring her community had a voice and inspired her children, Ed Reyes, and Diana Reyes-Raymer, to continue her mission of unity and empowerment; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Reyes's legacy of entrepreneurship and leadership lives on through her children, who now oversee Reyes Media Group and Dos Mundos, carrying forward her vision of inclusivity and advocacy for the Hispanic community; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Reyes's journey to Kansas City, Missouri from Guadalajara, Mexico in the 1960s, symbolizes the immigrant experience and underscores her determination to overcome obstacles, including challenges in pursuing her dentistry career and the subsequent establishment of Dos Mundos in the early 1980s; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Reyes's contributions to various organizations, including serving as president of the Coalition of Hispanic Women Against Cancer, co-founder of the Southwest Boulevard Business Association, and board member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, the National Federation of Hispanic-Owned Publications, and the Salvation Army, as well as her recognition as Latino Publisher of the Year for 2005, further highlight her dedication to serving others and fostering community connections; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Reyes's legacy is an inspiration to everyone to pursue one's dreams without limitations while transcending generations and cultural boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri that the Legislature hereby honors the dedication and tireless contributions Clara Reyes made to our community and extends its deepest condolences to her family and friends who will miss her inspiration, knowledge, and encouragement.
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. 21551 of February 26, 2024, was duly passed on February 26, 2024 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas ______7_________ Nays ______6________
Abstaining ____0_____ Absent ______1______
Excused ____1_______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature