Jalen Harbin is a Senior at Butler Traditional High School. Lala Watts is a Senior at Shawnee High School. Together, they had the honor of introducing our guest speaker, Xernona Clayton during the Annual IMPACT Report Luncheon on Friday, December 3rd, 2021.
Jalen joined the Louisville Urban League’s (LUL) Project Ready program in February of 2021 and was previously connected to LUL through our Summer Reach program in 2018. Lala first joined Project Ready in March of 2021. Both were introduced to LUL through their parents, Angela Harbin and Jonita Johnson. When both of them started with us we (LUL) were still doing virtual sessions for Youth Programming once per week. In April 2021 we transitioned into a hybrid model of virtual and in-person programming, and since June we have resumed in-person programming. Throughout all of the programming changes, both Jalen and Lala have stayed with us and have grown tremendously as they are preparing to graduate high school next year. Jalen and Lala live in West Louisville, and they are committed to doing their part in improving and being positive representatives of their community. They attend nearly every Project Ready session and are consistently engaged every Tuesday during programming. Both also joined us for our Summer program where we went to Alabama and explored the state for four days, and I believe this trip was a moment that really got both Jalen and Lala to start their senior year of high school with a strong effort.
Jalen has grown to become one of the vocal leaders of the group, whereas Lala is more of a Leader by example through her actions and interactions with her peers. Both students also participated in the Louisville Youth Network (LYN) program where they received resources, as well as incentives for their participation. In addition, both families have received groceries and supplies from our community grocery giveback opportunities with LUL and Change Today, Change Tomorrow. The success of these two phenomenal young people is their commitment to LUL through our Project Ready program, and their consistent participation in LUL events which has led them to have such a prominent role in LUL’s Annual Report Luncheon. Their parents’ testimony is what makes this a success story as well. Ms. Nita (Lala’s Mother) has been more than appreciative of the work we have done with her daughter and has remained committed to keeping Lala involved with LUL because she believes we are a benefit to her. Ms. Angela (Jalen’s Mother) recently said via text, “Project Ready has really been good for Jalen. He is having his best year in school this year. He is actually opening up and talking to people. Jalen was very shy and wouldn’t even go outside, so this program has really helped him to blossom. He is even excited about college!”
Currently, Jalen and Lala are undecided on where they plan to attend college next year, but they want to stay local. Jalen wants to pursue a future career in Environmental Design, and Lala wants to start her profession working with children dealing with health issues in hospitals. LUL is committed to supporting them throughout their journeys, and we’re thankful for their contributions to both Project Ready and LUL overall.
