From City Hall to the Airwaves: Connecting The Dottes Youth Honored with Dotte Proud Recognition

By: Levi Lee

Kansas City, KS – It was more than just a trip to City Hall—it was a defining moment.

On August 7, 2025, youth interns from Jegna Klub’s Connecting The Dottes internship program stood before the Wyandotte County Unified Government Commission to receive the prestigious Dotte Proud Recognition from Mayor Tyrone Garner’s Office. But what they left with was far more than a certificate—they left affirmed, seen, and inspired.

“For many of our interns,” said Coach Mo, Founder and CEO of Jegna Klub, “this was their first time stepping into City Hall for something positive. Unfortunately, a majority of our youth suffer from Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) and have only seen these walls in negative contexts. Today flipped the script….”

Youth in the Spotlight

As the interns—Bryan, JaMaurie, Teon, and Payton—stood shoulder to shoulder receiving public praise for their media leadership, they reflected on the power of the moment.

“I was excited when I received the Dotte Proud Recognition,” shared Bryan, “It felt good to be publicly acknowledged. I’ve learned that with time and dedication, it really does pay off. I just want to keep working hard.”

For JaMaurie, the moment was about more than recognition. “It was a joyful experience,” he said, “It felt good to be rewarded for the work and actually achieve something. That award wasn’t given—it was earned.”

Payton, initially nervous, noted how the support in the room gave him a sense of calm. “What surprised me most was that every head in the room was focused on whoever was speaking. No one was being disrespectful. That respect made me feel proud.”

Lessons in Civic Engagement

The recognition ceremony was just one part of the experience. Sitting in the audience of the UG Commission Meeting, the interns witnessed democracy in action.

Teon observed: “Attending the meeting gave me a new level of respect for the complexity of local government—watching the process up close, how decisions are debated and policies shaped in our community.” He added, “It reminded me why I do this—not for awards, but for the lives that can be changed when someone from your own community refuses to give up.”

JaMaurie echoed that sentiment, noting how the Commission Meeting opened his eyes to how “everyone had a problem or an answer about what was going on in our community.” He saw an opportunity for unity: “It made me think about how we could bring the community back together and unite all of Kansas City, Kansas.”

Stepping Into Leadership

The Dotte Proud recognition wasn’t just about looking back—it was about moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose. The interns are now even more committed to their roles as youth leaders in Wyandotte County.

“Being in front of the camera, knowing how to speak clearly so everyone hears me, and not being shy or timid,” JaMaurie reflected, “these are all things I’ve learned. I’m becoming someone who can be great in life.”

For Teon, the experience sparked long-term thinking: “It’s not just about inspiring kids anymore. It’s about creating infrastructure that supports them for the long run.”

Payton looked at the bigger picture: “We went from using someone else’s building to now having our own—and getting awards from the mayor. That just shows anything is possible.”

Coach Keyz, who works closely with the youth through Jegna Klub’s programming, summed up the day’s significance with pride: “I felt a sense of accomplishment and dignity. This was a payout from our day-to-day diligent hard work.”

He also gained insight from the broader meeting. “I learned about issues in other cities within our county that I wasn’t aware of. Now I know those need to be addressed.”

Why Jegna Klub Was Recognized

Jegna Klub, a Kansas City, Kansas–based nonprofit, is reshaping how youth see themselves and their power to create change. Through real-world work-based learning programming, they build leadership, creativity, and community in young people. The organization was recognized in part for its impactful programming like:

• Connecting The Dottes Internship Program – immersing middle & high school youth in multimedia, financial literacy, and STEAM.

• JegnaTalk: For Youth By Youth – a youth-led brand and media platform that amplifies local voices.

• JEGNAFEST Worldwide Radio – airing on 152+ stations globally, broadcasting youth-produced content with international reach.

• Breakfast & Books and the J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award – both encouraging literacy, mentorship, and leadership at all age levels.

The organization’s very name, Jegna—from Ethiopian origins—means “a courageous protector of one’s people.” And that’s exactly what they are raising: courageous, purpose-filled youth ready to protect and uplift their communities.

Coach Mo’s Vision

As Coach Mo concluded, “This unexpected recognition from the UG will serve as a lasting memory and motivation. It affirms that our efforts to ‘be the change’ through youth media and work-based learning are on the right track.”

The Road Ahead

The Dotte Proud moment was not an endpoint—it was fuel. With new confidence, broadened perspectives, and a spotlight on their shoulders, these interns are more committed than ever.

They aren’t just future leaders—they are now leaders.

From classrooms and community centers to commission chambers and global airwaves, Jegna Klub is ensuring that Wyandotte County’s youth are seen, heard, and celebrated.