Who are you?

My name is Jonathan Harris. I am, strong, empowered, and classy.

What do you do?

I am a graduate of Michigan State University. Financial aid Representative/Special Projects for Wayne County Community College and the founder of the non-profit, Jon Jon’s Future Stars Basketball Camp, role model, mentor and proud father.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about being a positive influence for our youth. I have been blessed, and I am fortunate enough to have gone and graduated from a major university, traveled, and overcame many obstacles. I can relate and understand what society expects from many of our children. I feel it is my duty to prepare them for life and obstacles that they may face.

Strength refers to the quality or state of being strong; bodily or muscular power; vigor; mental power, force; moral power, firmness, courage; power by reason of influence, authority, resources, numbers, etc. What makes you strong? Tell us how it strengthens you.

The support of my family, friends, and most importantly, my faith in God… oh yeah, can’t forget about the doubters! I have been faced with and persevered some pretty humbling experiences in my 26 years. I was very close to losing my mom due to a brain tumor, and close to loosing my dad on Mothers Day. Their strength does wonders for me. At times we all have our days, but being taught at an early age that “there is someone whose problems are worse than yours” really made me mentally strong. Also, being the youngest out of six boys will definitely, I mean definitely strengthen you lol!

Empowerment refers to increasing the spiritual, political, social, educational, gender, or economic strength of individuals and communities. Where does your sense of empowerment derive from?

My sense of empowerment comes from all the positive influences I have in my life. Most importantly, knowing that I’m changing lives; making a major impact on our youth by helping them improve their skills on and off the court.

Classy refers to being elegant, stylish; having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior; admirably skillful and graceful. How important is it to maintain a sense of class in your life or field?

A sense of class is something that is reflected not only in your chosen field, but most importantly, in life. I feel that remaining humble, my continuous strive for greatness, and pushing the people around me to be great is class in itself.

Life is truly a journey. Are you proud of where and who you are right now? Why?

I am proud of myself and the direction I’m headed, but I never get too comfortable, because I feel that there’s always room to grow. Yeah, I can say I’m proud of myself, but someone telling me they’re proud of me; that’s my fuel.

If you had the opportunity to speak for the masses, what would you say?

Stay Humble my friends.

Please list webpage or blog links:

“Please support the 2nd annual Future Stars Basketball Camp. Last summer was a great success, and we need your help to do it again this year! Young men across the city between the ages of 5 through 15 were able to learn basketball skills on the court, and life lessons off the court. They were provided a meal every Saturday, while doing so in a safe environment. This was done absolutely FREE, with no cost to the future stars or their family. We need your help in order to do it again this summer.  The camp begins July 19th, 2014 and will be held at Belle Creek Park.”

Make your donation Here:  www.gofundme.com/ao3jlc

Thank you for visiting www.janethangproductions.com. Be on the look out for more sources of inspiration from The Strong, Empowered, & Classy Project each week! We are very thankful for Jonathan Harris’ participation in sharing his inspirational story with us. Be sure to support his non-profit, Jon Jon’s Future Stars Basketball Camps, by visiting www.gofundme.com/ao3jlc and making a donation today. Don’t forget to share this motivational perspective of strength, empowerment, and class with your friends and family! -Always Remember to Stay Inspired! – @MsJaneThang

MsJaneThang

@MsJaneThang is actually Kristen Hayman, the founder of Jane Thang Productions, LLC. She is a Strong, Empowered & Classy young woman that writes poetry and stories that speak to the heart.