Kansas City Chief Hall of Famer Deron Cherry gives keynote address
Jefferson City, MO – Today, the Office of Administration along with the Department of Revenue, hosted the 2020 Black History Month Celebration for the State of Missouri.
Hundreds of state team members and friends traveled from across Missouri to hear from Governor Mike Parson, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, State Senator Brian Williams, and former Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame safety, Deron Cherry, who gave the keynote address. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and members of the Governor’s cabinet were also in attendance.
Cherry spoke about the theme for this year’s program “Believe, Achieve, & Succeed” and how he rose to challenges to reach his highest potential.
“They always told me that I wasn’t big enough, I wasn’t strong enough and I wasn’t fast enough to play in the National Football League,” said Deron Cherry. “That’s what they tell you, is all the negatives. But you can’t measure everything with statistics. They can’t measure what you have inside.”
While introducing him, Governor Parson touched on the inspiration that Cherry’s journey brings to people.
“It’s about the American dream for all of us,” said Governor Parson. “Where you come from doesn’t matter.”
Following the keynote, Governor Parson presented Deron Cherry with a proclamation that established February as Black History Month for the State of Missouri.
“This is a time to honor and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of African Americans to our state and nation,” said Governor Parson. “For his many achievements and humanitarian contributions to our state, I’d like to present Deron with this proclamation for Black History Month in the State of Missouri.”
“My biggest passion is serving,” Cherry said. “Serving to those that need it.”
After the ceremony, Missouri officials thanked state team members who could come out and celebrate the occasion.
To view the Black History Month proclamation, click here.