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DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson at Roberto Clemente Middle School, DeSean Jackson Community Events, DeSean Jackson Foundation, DeSean Jackson Gives Back, DeSean Jackson Promotes Literacy, DeSean Jackson Visits Roberto Clemente, Gayle Jackson, Literacy Night, MD, Roberto Clemente Middle School, Washington Redskins
GERMANTOWN, MD
November 20, 2015 [Updated by the DeSean Jackson Foundation, 11/25/2015]
DeSean Jackson
Washington Redskins (Photo donated by the Washington Redskins)
DeSean Jackson, of the Washington Redskins, and his mother, Gayle Jackson, President, of the DeSean Jackson Foundtion, made a guest appearance at the Roberto Clemente Middle School “Literacy Night, in Germantown, MD, on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. The invitation was extended to the Jacksons by principal, Jeffrey Brown; and, coordinated by Jamila Denney.
DeSean Jackson and Roberto Clemente Students
Principal Jeffrey Brown
DeSean Jackson is the CEO and Co-Founder, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, which was founded in 2009, after his father, William “Bill” Jackson, died from Pancreatic Cancer when DeSean was a rookie with the Philadelphia Eagles. November is World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month; and, Jackson chose to honor his father’s legacy by appearing at Roberto Clemente, promoting literacy; and, donating new books to the school library in Bill’s memory.
“My dad instilled the importance and value that literacy would be in my life”, states Jackson. “When I was five, my Pops knew that I was going to be drafted into the NFL even though I looked like a 45# tee-ball player. He taught me that I should develop my skills on and off the field in regards to building my brand, negotiating contracts, understanding playbooks from every perspective; and, financial literacy.
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Pops grew up in Pittsburgh, an avid Steeler fan, who studied the game. He lectured me constantly on issues such as collective bargaining, free agency; and, what how the NFL lockout with replacement players changed the dynamics of the league. I was a little dude but in my Pop’s eyes I was a big man. I hope to instill the same values and the importance and love of reading to youth who will listen. Pops was also a big Roberto Clemente, a Pittsburgh Pirate and humanitarian. Therefore, being at Roberto Clemente and honoring both Roberto Clemente and my dad is awesome.”
Gayle Jackson, Roberto Clemente, and Jeff Brown, Principal
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DeSean Jackson and his father, Bill Jackson
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For Additional Information and Media Requests: Contact Jamila H. Denney, Roberto Clemente Middle School, Germantown, MD
Roberto Clemente Middle School
Principal: Jeff Brown
Address: 18808 Waring Station Rd, Germantown, MD 20874
District: Montgomery County Public Schools
Phone: (301) 601-0344
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