Jaron Nabors, a Joliet native and the visionary behind 2morrow Startz 2day, is on a mission to bring about positive change within the Black community. Through his non-profit organization, 2morrow Startz 2day, Nabors mentors the youth in impoverished and marginalized areas, aiming to ignite transformation and empowerment.
The driving force behind 2morrow Startz 2day is a commitment to nurture and equip youth with wisdom and knowledge, uplifting society both today and in the future. According to Nabors, the organization’s name emphasizes the urgency of taking action in the present rather than postponing it to tomorrow. Drawing from his personal experiences, he shares, “I once contributed to the decline of our community. That’s why I’m dedicated to rebuilding and restoring it.”
As part of the rebuilding process, Nabors collaborates with other visionaries from Joliet, forging partnerships for a better tomorrow. Thanks to the support of Pastor Cameron Moore, Jaron holds monthly community meetings at St. Mark CME Church on 348 S Joliet St, Joliet, IL.
Expressing his gratitude, Jaron Nabors says, “Pastor Moore welcomed me with open doors. Together, we are partnering to introduce impactful conversations, programs, and events that address the issue of youth violence in our community. We are deeply troubled by the tragic loss of young lives due to senseless acts of gun violence. Factors such as poverty, mental health challenges, and substance abuse contribute to the root causes of this problem.”
One of the notable community events organized by Jaron’s 2morrow Startz 2day organization, in collaboration with The Toni Medina Youth Foundation, St. Mark CME, and the Joliet Black Police Officer Association, is the Joliet Summer Bash Talent Show. This talent showcase promises to shine a spotlight on the remarkable talents of Joliet’s youth.
Jaron enthusiastically extends an invitation to everyone, saying, “The talent show welcomes youth between the ages of 10 and 18 and will take place outside St. Mark’s CME Church. We emphasize a family-friendly atmosphere and strictly prohibit any explicit, offensive, or graphic material. The event aims to foster a supportive environment where the entire community can come together to support our talented young performers.”
“The talent showcase will feature two age groups,” explains Jaron. “The first group will showcase kids aged 10 to 15, with cash prizes awarded to the top three winners. The first-place winner will receive $200, the second-place winner will receive $100, and the third-place winner will be awarded a $50 cash prize.”
For the second age group, consisting of individuals aged 16 to 18, the third-place winner will receive a $50 gift card, while the second-place winner will receive $100. The grand prize for the 16-18 age bracket is a barber scholarship to All About You Barber College, generously donated by Master Barber and owner Latoya Medina.
Jaron emphasizes the significance of the barber scholarship, stating, “This scholarship offers a career opportunity as barbers are always in demand.” Latoya Medina, the President of Toni Medina Youth Foundation and owner of All About You Barber College, is donating a scholarship valued over $7000.
While the talent show is just one of many community projects and initiatives Jaron is involved in, he recognizes that changing the trajectory of the community requires collective effort. “We must hold ourselves accountable for what happens in our community,” says Jaron. “If we want to see improvement, we must strive for better. I will continue to initiate conversations about the issues in our neighborhoods, advocate for change, and collaborate with politicians, community leaders, and organizations like the Toni Medina Youth Foundation, Bishop Steven Evans, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, and even the Mayor.”
Jaron Nabors has plans to present community initiatives, such as advocating for safe school zones in high-crime areas and securing more funding for community centers and after-school programs. He recognizes that not all kids are interested in sports and believes that programs catering to the performing arts, like music and theater, can capture the hearts of many young individuals.
“There is a lot of work that needs to be done, and it won’t happen overnight,” acknowledges Jaron. However, he sees great potential in collaborating with Joliet Township Supervisor Angel Contreras and his violence interruption program. “Working with the Joliet Township Supervisor, and his violence interruption program, I believe, is a great starting point in helping reduce the violence within our city.
Jaron Nabors’ commitment to his community through 2morrow Startz 2day exemplifies his dedication to empower and uplift the youth, creating a better today and a brighter future for all.
To connect with Jaron Nabors Facebook
