IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION honoring the life, legacy, and community impact of Ceslie “CJ” Anthony Henry, Jr.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 22317, June 15, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Jalen Anderson, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, Ceslie Anthony Henry, Jr. (“CJ”), born on December 10, 1980, was a beloved son, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, artist, and community member whose life touched countless individuals throughout Kansas City and beyond; and,
WHEREAS, born to Hyacinth Henry and Ceslie Anthony Henry, Sr., CJ proudly carried forward the rich Jamaican heritage of his family and shared that heritage with the Kansas City community through music, fellowship, and cultural expression; and,
WHEREAS, CJ loved his family, treasured his friendships, embraced a deeply spiritual outlook on life, and demonstrated extraordinary compassion through acts of kindness, generosity, mentorship, and service to others; and,
WHEREAS, CJ consistently translated his care for others into action, providing food, shelter, encouragement, guidance, and support to those facing hardship, often without seeking recognition or praise; and,
WHEREAS, known to many throughout the Kansas City music community as Vodu, CJ was a gifted musician, songwriter, performer, and founder of the reggae band Jahration and T.A.O., and "SS" sharing his talents with audiences throughout the region and performing at venues, festivals, and community celebrations across the metropolitan area, including the Ethnic Enrichment Festival, the Kansas City Power & Light District, The Bottleneck, the Levy, and numerous other stages where he brought people together through music, culture, and community; and,
WHEREAS, CJ earned recognition for his contribution to a platinum-certified album by the acclaimed musical group Nappy Roots and further expanded his artistic pursuits through acting, including a role in the award-winning short film “Stay Close to Me,” directed by Josh Doke; and,
WHEREAS, from an early age, CJ demonstrated excellence and dedication, earning multiple awards and recognition in forensic competition during his high school years at Hickman Mills; and,
WHEREAS, CJ found joy in the outdoors, appreciated the beauty of nature, embraced life with an adventurous spirit, and cherished the companionship of his beloved dog, Star; and,
WHEREAS, while CJ earned recognition as a musician, performer, actor, and scholar, his greatest legacy is found in the lives he touched, the people he mentored, the friendships he cultivated, and the countless acts of generosity and encouragement he extended throughout his life; and,
WHEREAS, the tremendous outpouring of love following CJ’s passing, including gatherings dedicated to sharing reflections, memories, fellowship, worship, and celebration of his life, serves as a testament to the profound impact he had on family members, friends, fellow artists, neighbors, and countless others throughout the community; and,
WHEREAS, family, friends, and loved ones will gather to celebrate CJ’s life and legacy through special memorial events in Kansas City, Missouri, including a Reflections and Memories gathering on June 19, 2026, at the O’Hara Event Center, and a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service on June 20, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church, honoring a life lived with purpose, creativity, compassion, and service; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Jackson County Legislature hereby honors the life, legacy, and memory of Ceslie Anthony Henry, Jr. (“CJ”), recognizes his contributions to the artistic, cultural, and civic fabric of our community, and extends its deepest condolences to Ceslie and Hyacinth Henry, the Henry family, CJ’s friends, fellow artists, loved ones, and all those mourning his loss; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Jackson County celebrates a life defined by generosity, creativity, mentorship, service, and love, and encourages all who knew CJ to carry forward the spirit of compassion and community that he so freely shared with others throughout his life, and may his memory be a blessing, and may he rest in power and peace.
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. 22317 of June 15, 2026, was duly passed on June 15, 2026 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _______8__________ Nays _____0_______
Abstaining ____0_______ Absent _____0______
Excused ______1_____
______________________ ________________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature