Reed more about Jermaine's journey.
JERMAINE REED WAS BORN
Since his first day—when he arrived at Truman Medical Center on June 13, 1984, three months premature, and struggling to survive—Reed has been a fighter. A “poor kid from the ‘hood,” he made his way up through the Kansas City public school system at the height of bussing and desegregation. From those early days, he remembers aspiring to something greater—and he credits his late grandfather, his first mentor, for ensuring he had a plan.
J.A. ROGERS MIDDLE SCHOOL
At J.A. Rogers Middle School, Reed found what he considers his calling when he became active in a youth program of the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime. There, he met then-Councilman Alvin Brooks, who would become a role model and friend. Brooks—after much pestering—started to allow Reed and other young people to join him on his weekly talk show on KPRT 1590, “Voices From Midtown,” to comment on issues like drugs, violence, education, and politics. In this way, Reed learned that his voice mattered—and that people would listen. During one of his long bus rides to school, Reed wondered why no one had cleaned up all the garbage strewn along the side of the street. So with Ad Hoc, he started a community program that became known as Operation Prospect, galvanizing residents and businesses, organizing church groups, and raising funds to clean up 35 blocks of Prospect Avenue. He was 14 years old. He learned that good ideas plus resources could solve problems, and even “a poor kid from the "hood” could make things happen.
NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL
When it came time to move on to high school, Reed could have followed his friends, but instead, he followed his passion to Northeast Senior High, which at the time was a magnet school with a public affairs focus. By the time he graduated, Reed had amassed a list of honors and titles of which the senior class president was perhaps the least remarkable: board member for the National Youth Information Network, member of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Youth Advisory Board, the youngest board member at MOVE UP, a director of Project AIM where he served on the governing board of directors until 2006 (click here to read more about this project), a life skills-training nonprofit, and more.
He traveled the country speaking to student groups as part of the inaugural TRUTH Anti-Tobacco Campaign, and wound up on the Rosie O’Donnell Show (April 2001), as the national spokesperson for National Youth Service Day (he had helped organize the Kansas City service site—the largest in the country, with more than 5,000 participants). The Pitch named him “Best Student Activist” of 2001 (“Ladies and gentleman, allow us to introduce the next governor of Missouri: Jermaine Reed.”), and he was profiled in a special feature in the Kansas City Star. That article quoted Brooks as saying that he could see Reed “on the city council in nine or ten years.”
TRUTH ANTI-TOBACCO CAMPAIGN
ROSIE O'DONNELL SHOW IN NYC
PROJECT AIM
GENERATION RAP TEEN TALK SHOW
Resolution Recipient No. 991006 for Youth Advocacy in Kansas City, Missouri City Council of Kansas City, MO.
MOVE UP (The Community Movement For Urban Progress) Governing Board of DiRECTORS
Resolution Recipient No. 2096 for participation in TRUTH Anti-Tobacco Campaign USA Missouri House of Representatives
THE AMERICAN LEGION BOYS STATE OF MISSOURI
RECIPIENT OF THE YOUTH ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR AWARD JACKSON COUNTY MISSOURI COMBAT COMMISSION
MAY
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION AND BEYOND
After graduating from Northeast—where he delivered the commencement address, was the senior class president, and also interned in Alvin Brooks, City Council office—Reed attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, though he says he might not have been able to get there without the support of David Ross, then a vice president at Bank of America, another mentor who “saw something in me that I hadn’t seen in myself.” In college, he stayed active in the community through Ad Hoc and frequent trips back to Kansas City. For three years, Reed served on Missouri Governor Bob Holden’s Youth Cabinet.
As a first-generation college student, Reed says he made the most of it, enjoying his independence and new social opportunities, while never forgetting that “I was there for a purpose,” which included graduating on time and moving onto the next stage of his life plan. His years in Columbia included long stretches at the library, as well as time devoted to work/study and extra hours building study skills at the Student Success Center. He was motivated to reward the faith that others had shown in him—and that he had in himself.
Resolution Recipient No. 1666 for Community Service & Youth Advocacy Missouri State Senate
State of Missouri Governor’s Youth Cabinet
Gubernatorial Appointment by The Honorable Bob Holden, Former Governor
Recipient of Local Hero’s of the Year Award for Community Service Kansas City Missouri’s Ingram’s Magazine
Recipient of the ‘Official Key To The City’ From The Honorable Kay Barnes, Mayor of the City of Kansas City Missouri
The American Youth Foundation Institute
Professional Career Development Institute; Shelby, Michigan Course Curriculum: Executive Youth Leadership Development
Mizzou College Democrats
Congressional Black Caucus, Political Education & Leadership Institute, Morgan State University
For Completion of the Political Education ‘Boot Camp’
SEPTEMBER 2005 - august 2006
University of Missouri Systems Bookstores Model
2005 - 2006
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) Kansas City, MO
Community Affairs Liaison Aide (Internship)
Missouri Association for Blacks in Higher Education
Graduation from the University of Missouri-ColumbiA
Resolution Recipient No. 2790 for graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia Missouri State Senate
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., Washington, DC
Office of the Chief Technology Officer/DC Government Washington, DC Project Coordinator
HOT 103 JAMZ COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD FOR SUPPORTING THE ANNUAL TOY AND FOOD DRIVE, CARTER BROADCAST GROUP
JERMAINE MoveD back to KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
AT AGE 25, JERMAINE REEDS RUN FOR CITY COUNCIL
He believed that the citizens of the 3rd District were not being well represented in City Hall—their voices were not being heard, and resources were not finding a way back east of Troost to the urban core that so desperately needed rebuilding. “We’ve been overlooked for far too long,” Reed said, in announcing his candidacy for City Council, a campaign to “Renew, Engage, and Empower our District.”
JERMAINE IS ELECTED AS COUNCILMAN FOR THE 3RD DISTRICT
When the final results were tallied on March 22, 2011, Jermaine Reed, then 26, became the youngest City Councilmember-elect in Kansas City history. The 10-year prediction that Alvin Brooks had made to the Kansas City Star a decade earlier had proven remarkably precise.
Reed’s youthfulness did not fit the profile of the stereotypical councilperson at the time: older, possibly retired, serving on the council—officially a part-time job—after a career in another field. Reed was just starting out, achieving what he called “a career highlight” at the very beginning of his career. Youth would also prove to be a barrier to be overcome—because others made it so. Reed recalls how he was treated when he arrived at his first meeting of the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Commission to advocate for a new grocery store he wanted to bring to 39th Street and Prospect Avenue. “The chair at the time was trying to figure out who I was and said something like, ‘I have socks older than you,’” Reed relates. “And I responded with something along the lines of, ‘Well, you should probably go purchase new socks, but I’m not here to talk about your old wardrobe. I am here to discuss this project on behalf of my community.’
HIGHLAND PLACE REDEVELOPMENT
22 apartment units, several single family homes were restored in the 18th & vine historic district.
GREEN IMPACT ZONE
The city invested $4.2 million leveraging $166 million for infrastructure, transportation and energy-efficiency improvements.
DEDICATION OF 9TH & VAN BRUNT ATHLETIC FIELDS
The new Athletic Fields are constructed on a 12.4 acre site in Historic Northeast Kansas City. Site improvements include a new artificial turf soccer field, two natural turf practice
fields, an amphitheater/event plaza, a concession building with restrooms, a walking trail, a parking lot, and landscaping.
REDEVELOPMENT OF BANCROFT SCHOOL APARTMENTS
The school building provides 50 safe, stable and affordable rental units in the Green Impact Zone and Historic Manheim Park Neighborhood.
COLLABORATION WITH THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (EDC-KC) BRINGS NEW BUSINESSES TO THE 3RD DISTRICT.
ALDI'S GROCERY STORE GRAND OPENING / $4.5 MILLION INVESTMENT
IN THE 3RD DISTRICT
The new ALDI at 39th and Prospect provides easy access to affordable fresh fruits, vegetables, and groceries to the community.
UMKC HOSPITAL HILL STUDENT HOUSING
Located in the Beacon Hill Neighborhood, this public/private partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration. $30 million investment in the 3rd District.
REDEVELOPMENT OF SEVEN OAKS SCHOOL
This development provided 44 safe, stable and affordable housing units.
$8 million investment in the 3rd District!
COUNCILMAN REED RE-ELECTED TO REPRESENT THE 3RD DISTRICT
In his 2nd term, Mayor Sly James appointed him chairman of the transportation and infrastructure committee. In addition, Reed served as a member of the small business, entrepreneurship and jobs committee.
COUNCILMAN JERMAINE REED ONE OF THE KC'S YOUNGEST PUBLIC SERVANTS ON SOKC
Jermaine Reed was a long shot in Kansas City last election but his grassroots efforts, approachable style and passion for his city, community and neighborhood got him over the top.
“I realized, being a young councilmember, I would have to command—and in a lot of ways, demand—respect for what I was bringing to the table and for people to take my issues seriously.”
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PASEO GATEWAY CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS $30 MILLION FEDERAL (HUD) GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT
MONARCH MANOR
New single-family housing development located at 22nd and Brooklyn
IVANHOE GATEWAY
Newly constructed duplexes at 39th and Garfield and Euclid. $1.94 million investment in the 3rd District!
ROSEHILL TOWNHOMES
33 unit townhomes for families who have experienced homelessness at Admiral and Troost. $6.7 million investment in the 3rd District!
JERMAINE GRADUATES WITH HIS MASTER'S DEGREE IN Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City
18TH & VINE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS NEWS CONFERENCE
On April 21, 2016, City Manager Troy Schulte, 3rd District Councilman Jermaine Reed and members of the City Council spoke at a news conference to present a phased capital improvements plan for Kansas City’s historic 18th and Vine district. The improvements plan highlights district revitalization projects that will be funded through potential bond proceeds, philanthropic and private donations, grant funding and various tax incentives. The plan proposes a City bond-funding commitment of $27,637,162, which leverages a minimum private investment at $12,150,000 or 43.9%.
RIDEKC STREETCAR GRAND OPENING
COUNCILMAN REED CONTINUES TO FIGHT FOR A MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE FOR WORKING FAMILIES
JERMAINE AND OTHER CITY LEADERS LAUNCH ZIPCAR.
Downtown Kansas City is growing and thriving, and now the City offers another way for residents and visitors to get from point A to point B. Zipcar, a car-sharing network, is bringing eight vehicles to four locations from the River Market to Union Station.
Mayor Sly James, City Councilman Jermaine Reed and other city leaders launched the expansion on October 24th at Union Station.
KC VOTERS GIVE OVERWHELMING APPROVAL TO BUILD NEW KCI SINGLE TERMINAL
KC VOTERS APPROVE $800 MILLION GENERAL OBLIGATION (GO KC) BONDS IN 2017
The funds will be used to repair crumbling streets, bridges, and sidewalks; improvements to flood control systems; and renovating public buildings to satisfy federal ADA requirements. Also funds will be provided to replace outdated animal shelters, in partnership with private fundraising.
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LIPARI BROS. SUN FRESH MARKET GROUNDBREAKING
New full-service grocery store in the Linwood shopping Center. $13 million investment in the 3rd District!
MLB URBAN YOUTH ACADEMY
The UYA features state-of-the-art baseball and softball fields, batting cages and educational facilities. $20 million facility.
KANSAS CITY PBS INTERVIEW
Mike Shanin interviews KCMO City Councilman Jermaine Reed about efforts to increase the minimum wage in Kansas City and about next week's ballot issues.
JERMAINE REED ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR MAYOR
KCI AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
Cascade Media Group was on location at the Gregg/Klice Community Center for the KCI Airport development meeting. We spoke with Councilman Jermaine Reed to get his point of view on what benefits this project will bring to Kansas City. Councilman Reed expressed his gratitude to Kansas City as it concerns the development of this new KCI Airport. Not only are individuals excited for this new design for KCI but also the job opportunities this project will present.
KCI AIRPORT DESIGN WORKSHOP AND KCI TERMINAL INPUT
Short wait times to get through security. Quick walks to departure gates. Fast baggage check-in and retrieval. Ample space for curbside drop-offs and pick ups. Convenient nearby parking. Adequately sized restrooms. Dining options and other amenities both inside and outside secured areas. Enough comfortable seating. Children’s play areas. Technology friendly features.
These are just some of the things south Kansas City residents said they want the new terminal at KCI Airport to provide while attending a terminal design workshop at Evangel Church on January 16 hosted by Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, the selected developer for the project.
LIPARI BROS. SUN FRESH MARKET GRAND OPENING
New full-service grocery store in the Linwood Shopping Center
2018
PROSPECT MAX | $54 MILLION TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT INVESTMENT IN THE 3RD DISTRICT
Prospect MAX will provide 48 MAX Stations along Prospect and downtown along 11th and 12th Streets. That means 24 station pairs spaced 4 to 6 blocks apart with 10 minute stop frequencies. Of these locations, 17 will be level-boarding stations like "Street Car" platforms.
The East Village Transit Center, a KCATA satellite hub, will be built at an empty, two-acre site at the intersection of 12th and Charlotte Streets.
THE KANSAS CITY STAR'S EDITORIAL BOARD WITH MAYOR CANDIDATE JERMAINE REED
Star editorial board members Dave Helling and Derek Donovan talked with Jermaine Reed, Kansas City Third District Council-member and candidate for Kansas City mayor, on Wed., Feb. 13, 2019. In this clip, Reed discusses Mayor James' pre-K proposal.
100TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL MUSEUM
JERMAINE BECOMES AN ENTREPRENEUR AND LAUNCHES KGR CONSULTANTS
"Our philosophy is: Issues emerge. Entities seek outcomes. Brand influencers successfully link this connection."
JERMAINE REED IS BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF KANSAS CITY MOST WANTED HONOREE
JERMAINE REED LOSES THE MAYORAL BID TO LUCAS
Term limits precluded Reed from seeking a third go at his council seat, but as he was still committed to representing his community, he became one of 11 candidates for Kansas City mayor in 2019. Running citywide for the first time was a challenge. Even though Reed had been a lead advocate for large-scale projects—including the airport—that benefitted the entire region, he found it difficult to gain traction beyond his community. “I still had a 3rd District mindset,” he says. Finding himself out of elected office for the first time in eight years, Reed nonetheless had opportunities to stay engaged in public policy.
JERMAINE RUNS FOR BOARD OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE - KANSAS CITY
Why I am running to serve on the Board of Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City (@MCCKansasCity): To provide opportunity! As a former City Councilmember, advocate for education, and a community collaborator, my record of service align with MCC -- preparing students, serving communities, creating opportunities-- and for US!
"I humbly ask for your vote for MCC-Trustee, Sub-District 2 on June 2, 2020."
2020
JERMAINE ENDORSES TO RENAME THE CORRIDOR TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD.
Proud to stand with @kcmoparks Commission @genuinejuiceguy, Mayor @quinton_lucas, @sclcgkc and a broad coalition of community representatives to OFFICIALLY rename: Blue Parkway/Swope Parkway/Volker Blue corridor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Thank you to all of my the grassroots civil rights organizations that galvanized, organized; took the idea to the people and successfully gained community support.
HARRY S. TRUMAN GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD FOUNDATION LUNCHEON
Honoring Congressman James Clyburn, U.S. House of Representative, who exemplified the principles of Harry S. Truman and who is recognized for exemplary service to their community and the nation.
2021 - 2022
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
'21 - Ribbon cutting for MCC Longview New Adult Learner and MCC Penn Valley
'21 - Jermaine elected to MCC Board of Trustees and MCC Foundation
'22 - Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Community College Association Delegation
'22 - Ribbon cutting for MCC Blue River
'22 - Ribbon cutting ceremony for the MCC Kansas City Advance Technical Skills Institute
'22 - MCC Maplewood campus groundbreaking
Click the arrow to REED more >
MASTER OF CEREMONIES FOR THE 2022 MCC KANSAS CITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
JERMAINE DELIVERS REMARKS AT THE METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
P.O. Box 414523, Kansas City, MO 64141
E: info@jermainereed | P: 816-863-8914
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