RESOLUTION NO. 240646

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Sponsor:  Councilmember Eric Bunch

RESOLUTION - Honoring the life of Charles Olvera Lona and recognizing the lasting positive impact he had on the Westside community and Kansas City.

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WHEREAS, Charles, also known as Charlie or Chuck, was born on October 14, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri and was a lifelong resident of the Westside of Kansas City, Missouri, a community that he deeply loved and tirelessly served.  Charlie was  a proud graduate of Westport High School and continued his education at Kansas City Junior College; and

WHEREAS, Charlie's dedication to the Westside extended far beyond his family business, Lona and Sons Hydraulics, Inc. as he became a fierce advocate for the Westside’s Mexican- American community, profoundly influenced by the Chicano Movement; and

WHEREAS, Charlie’s impact was vast and enduring, positively shaping the political, social, economic, cultural, and educational landscape of the Westside and he was instrumental in the founding of the Brown Beret Chapter of Kansas City, Aztlan Center, Guadalupe Center, Inc, and in electing Westside Mexican-American  representatives to City, County, State, and School Board positions; and

WHEREAS, Charlie’s advocacy was pivotal in transforming West Jr. High School into a fully accredited high school, now known as West High School, and he was instrumental in incorporating bilingual education into its curriculum; and

WHEREAS, more recently, Charlie championed the construction of a new community swimming pool set to be completed in 2025; and

WHEREAS, in every facet of his being, Charlie was the Champion of the Westside with his spirit, dedication, and vocal strength woven into its very fabric; and

WHEREAS, Charlie's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his community, his family, and his heritage. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy and voice of change will continue to inspire and guide future generations; NOW, THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby honor the life of Charles Olvera Lona and recognize the lasting positive impact he had on the Westside community and Kansas City; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to the family and loved ones of Charle Olvera Lona.

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