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The Power of Connection: How Strong Relationships Build Strong Communities
Follow Commissioner Jermaine Howard’s latest We Not Me Conversations as he highlights the partnerships, people, and progress shaping District 1 in Wyandotte County. From youth mentorship and neighborhood redevelopment to transportation access, small business growth, and technology-driven economic opportunity, discover how collaboration is building stronger neighborhoods and creating a brighter future—one conversation, one partnership, and one opportunity at a time.


Investing in People: Inside the Movement Transforming Families in Wyandotte County
Discover how The Jegna Klub’s Economic Independence Academy is empowering youth and families through financial literacy, investing basics, workforce development, and leadership. In this video, Student Ambassador Payton introduces Chris Dunlap, Founder of Nu Wall Street, as he shares practical strategies for building wealth through investing. Learn how education, community partnerships, and economic empowerment are helping create stronger futures across Wyandotte County and Ka


Inside Jegna Klub: Where Judge Candice Alcaraz's Story Inspired Future Leaders and Built a Lasting Legacy
What begins as an interview quickly becomes something much more. Inside The Jegna Klub Headquarters, Judge Candice Alcaraz reflects on the obstacles, mentors, and defining moments that shaped her path to becoming Wyandotte County’s first Black female District Court Judge. Through authentic conversations with youth interns, this feature reveals how mentorship, media, and leadership intersect to build confidence, create opportunity, and leave a lasting legacy for Kansas City’s


The Seeds We Plant Today: Building Economic Opportunity One Relationship at a Time
This week’s We Not Me Conversations follows Commissioner Jermaine Howard as he explores how relationships, entrepreneurship, agriculture, code enforcement, and community partnerships are creating lasting economic opportunity in District 1. From Bell’s Crossing Farms to regional business leaders, discover why investing in people, supporting youth, strengthening neighborhoods, and building local ownership are the keys to a stronger, more prosperous future for Wyandotte County.


Seen, Celebrated, and Set Apart: How Ana Romero's Smile Transformed a Student of the Week Award into a Powerful Story of Leadership, Belonging, and Hope
Celebrate Ana Romero, a 5th-grade student at Grant Elementary, as she receives the J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award for her outstanding character, leadership, kindness, and perseverance. Experience the emotional award presentation at the Jegna Klub Headquarters in Kansas City, Kansas, and discover how recognizing youth builds confidence, inspires future leaders, and strengthens communities. Nominate the next Student of the Week and help build youth for the future.


From Vacant Spaces to Vibrant Places
Commissioner Jermaine Howard reflects on a week of vision, leadership, and community impact in District 1. Inspired by Black Tech Street in Tulsa, he shares why representation matters, highlights local partnerships, celebrates businesses like John’s Java & Jazz, addresses food access, and encourages residents to help shape the future of Wyandotte County. Discover how the “We Not Me” philosophy is turning conversations into action and inspiring the next generation.


When City Hall Stood Up for Its Children
Step inside the Unified Government Full Commission Meeting as the J.E.G.N.A. Klub honors four exceptional Student of the Week recipients for their leadership, character, academic excellence, perseverance, and community impact. Discover how Mayor, Commissioners, educators, families, and community partners united to celebrate youth achievement, inspire civic engagement, and build the next generation of leaders across Wyandotte County through the power of recognition.


The Story Beneath Our Feet: Why Quindaro’s Legacy Still Matters Today
In this edition of We Not Me Conversations, Commissioner Jermaine Howard reflects on Juneteenth celebrations across Wyandotte County, the historic legacy of Quindaro and the Exodusters, community collaboration, youth leadership, and the importance of preserving local history. Discover how residents, organizations, and future leaders are working together to strengthen District 1 and build a brighter future through unity, service, and shared purpose.


We Not Me: Conversations From District 1 - A MESSAGE BEFORE WE BEGIN
In this edition of We Not Me Conversations, District 1 Commissioner Jermaine Howard shares the story behind the “We Not Me” philosophy and the personal experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. Learn why servant leadership, community engagement, and working together are essential to building stronger neighborhoods, creating opportunities, and moving Wyandotte County forward. Discover the values that guide his work and vision for District 1’s future.


KCK Rising Star Fabio Ramirez-Ferrera Honored for Leadership and Excellence as J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week
This blog highlights Kansas City, Kansas student Fabio Ramirez-Ferrera being honored as a J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week for leadership, character, and academic excellence. It showcases community support, family pride, and how the program empowers youth through recognition, financial literacy, and pathways to future success in Wyandotte County.


From Surprise to Spotlight: How Amerrio Carter-Collins’ Growth, Leadership, and Joy Earned Him J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award
This blog highlights Amerrio Carter-Collins, a 5th grader at Grant Elementary, as the J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week. It showcases his growth in academics, behavior, and leadership, captures the emotional impact of the award presentation, and explains how the program empowers youth through recognition, community support, and financial literacy opportunities.


Celebrating Excellence in Action: Quiet Excellence, Loud Impact—How Rickie “RJ” Hudson Jr. Led Without Limits to Earn J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award
Rickie “RJ” Hudson Jr., a senior at Schlagle High School, is honored as the J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week for his leadership, academic excellence, and character. This blog highlights his achievements, powerful moments from the award presentation, and perspectives from educators, family, and community leaders, while showcasing how the award empowers youth through recognition and opportunity.


Read, Relate, Represent: How Rosie Rodriguez Turned Storytime into a Bilingual Power Moment
By Levi Lee (Spanish Translation Below / Traducción al español a continuación) On the morning of February 25, 2026, Ms. Nelson’s third-grade classroom at Grant Elementary School was filled with energy, curiosity, and the warm buzz of students ready for something special. The Jegna Klub’s Breakfast & Books program had arrived — and with it, a dynamic featured reader: Rosie Rodriguez, Program Director at Avenue of Life. The Jegna Klub’s Breakfast & Books initiative creates spac


Fireproof & Unstoppable: How Promise Burton Turned Adversity into Leadership and Named J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award Winner
J.E.G.N.A. Klub names Promise Burton, an 11th grader at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas, Student of the Week after demonstrating resilience during a school fire disruption. Nominated by her coach, Promise embodies leadership, accountability, academic excellence, and integrity. The award highlights youth empowerment, community partnership, financial literacy opportunities, and how intentional student recognition builds confidence and future leaders.


Rising Together: JC Harmon Football Shines Through Adversity at Jegna Klub Headquarters
This post highlights the inspiring visit of the JC Harmon High School Football Team to The Jegna Klub Headquarters for a JegnaTalk: For Youth By Youth interview. Through honest conversation, youth voices share stories of resilience, confidence, and growth beyond the scoreboard. The article showcases positive coaching, real-world media learning, and how youth-led platforms like Jegna Klub empower young people to rise through adversity together.


Excellence Beyond the Box Score: Scholar-Athlete Jaxon Davis Named J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week at Sumner Academy
Jaxon Deon Davis, a senior at Sumner Academy of Arts & Sciences in Kansas City, Kansas, was named J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week for exemplifying Justice, Empowerment, Growth, Nurturing, and Advocacy. A 3.0+ GPA student-athlete averaging 23 points per game, Jaxon was recognized for his leadership, character, and positive impact on his school community through a surprise hallway celebration led by educators, community leaders, and partners focused on youth empowerment.


Leading Without Loudness: Jourdan Smith’s Quiet Confidence Recognized as a J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week
This post celebrates Jourdan Smith, a 7th grader honored as the J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week, highlighting her quiet confidence, academic excellence, creativity, and leadership at Central Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas. It shares her inspiring journey, community support, and the mission of the J.E.G.N.A. Klub to empower youth through justice, growth, and advocacy.


Families Building Wealth Together: Inside January’s Economic Independence Academy Workshop in KCK
Families across Kansas City, Kansas came together at the January 14, 2026 Economic Independence Academy Workshop to learn practical investing and wealth-building strategies. Featuring Chris Dunlap of Nu Wall Street and Erik Murray of Eastside Innovation, the free family-centered event broke down stock market basics, real estate opportunities, and financial confidence. Powered by the Jegna Klub, the workshop focused on closing the wealth gap and helping families grow together.


New Shoes For Ray Ray Brings Redemption and Real Talk to Jegna Klub: KC Rapper Inspires Youth Through Music, Faith, and Activism
Kansas City rapper and activist Lil Ray Ray visits Jegna Klub to share his powerful story of faith, redemption, and 21 years behind bars. Through an inspiring youth interview, he discusses music, resilience, and his Shoes for the Unhoused initiative, motivating teens with real talk and community-driven purpose.


Connecting the Dottes Quarterly Success StoryJegna Klub’s Connecting The Dottes Evidence Based Program – Q2
This post highlights The Jegna Klub’s Connecting The Dottes evidence-based multimedia internship program and its Q2 success story featuring youth intern Delano Washington. It showcases real-world media training, workforce development, radio broadcasting, audio/video editing, and youth leadership growth from October–December 2025, demonstrating how hands-on mentorship, STEAM learning, and community engagement prepare students for future careers.
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