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Team D. Jackson Supports the Eagles’ 2020 Autism Challenge

02 Friday Oct 2020

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Press Release

Los Angeles, October 2, 2020

Team D. Jackson

On Saturday, September 26, Team D. Jackson, which consists of Philadelphia Eagles’ All Pro receiver, DeSean Jacksons’ mother, Gayle Jackson, his sister, A’Dreea Jackson Clay, and her sons, participated in the Eagles’ 2020 Autism Challenge to raise Autism awareness and crucial funds for research.  Due to Covid-19, this year’s event was virtual with ‘virtual teams’; and, all events were held at remote sites in 14 countries, with 3,000 virtual teams, and 284 fundraising teams.

Team D. Jackson donated $2,500.00 from the DeSean Jackson Foundation to the Autism Challenge. Gayle Jackson, President, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, said that it was imperative that the Jackson family and our foundation participate in this year’s event to leverage the platform that we have been blessed with to raise Autism Awareness especially in the Black and Brown communities.  Unfortunately, Covid-19 impeded our ability to develop and execute a aggressive fundraising campaign. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that approximately 1 in 54 children, in the U.S is diagnosed with an Autism spectrum disorder (ASD); 1 in 34 boys identified with autism; 1 in 44 girls identified with Autism; 31% of Autistic children have an intellectual disability; Autism affects all ethnic and socio-economic groups; minority groups tend to be diagnosed later in life and less often; early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan; and, there is no medical detection for autism. Therefore, our family was extremely grateful to the Eagles’ Autism Foundation staff for developing this virtual platform so we could participate and also be in compliance with Corona Virus mandates.  

Jackson also stated that as communities around the world are continuing to observe physical distancing measures, in order to prevent spread of Covid-19, many schools and businesses remain closed.  Autistic children may not understand why their daily routine is changing, which may lead to stress, frustration, anxiety.  The emotional triggers can exacerbate the effects of Autism and may lead to more severe behavioral and communication problems; and, severely restricted access to vital educational and early intensive behavioral intervention. Therefore, Team D. Jackson wanted to use this platform to raise awareness to the impact Covid-19 has on those with Autism and their caregivers and loved ones.   

The Jacksons also wanted to use this platform to invite medical researchers to apply for the 2020 Eagles’ Autism Foundation grant funding to support basic and clinical autism research, studies concentrating on affected individuals and families, and diverse model systems. Grant deadline is Friday, October 16th.

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More About the 2020 Eagles’ Autism Challenge:

The Eagles Autism Foundation has announced that the 2020 Eagles Autism Challenge, presented by Lincoln Financial Group, raised more than $3 million for autism research and care, thanks to donors from 14 countries, nearly 3,000 virtual participants and 284 fundraising teams. One hundred percent of the participant-raised funds will be directed to groundbreaking autism research and programs.

Originally scheduled for May 16, 2020, the Eagles Autism Challenge was re-scheduled to Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. [The event – made famous by its signature Wawa Junior 10-Mile Ride, Wawa Short 30-Mile Ride, Wawa Classic 50-Mile Ride, Five Below 5K Run/Walk and Five Below Sensory Walk – was moved to an all-virtual format where participants were encouraged to complete their selected course from home and share photos on social media using #EaglesAutismChallenge.]

“I am so deeply thankful and inspired by everyone who joined us virtually and supported our efforts from home this weekend,” said Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles. “As we clearly saw on Friday, Saturday and throughout these past few months, nothing is going to stop us from funding the most innovative autism research and programs around the world. When we work together, the possibilities are endless. Raising more than $3 million, and nearly $10 million over the first three years of the Eagles’ Autism Challenge, is an incredible accomplishment and a direct result of everyone’s generosity, participation and enthusiasm.”

The weekend commenced with a virtual kickoff party on Friday night featuring some very special guests, including NFL Pro Football Hall of Famer and Eagles’ Legend, Brian Dawkins, to celebrate in the pre-event festivities with participants. On Saturday, a post-ride celebration was held virtually to recognize everyone’s accomplishments and highlight top fundraisers.

More About The Eagles’ Autism Foundation

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Autism Foundation, which was founded by Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles, CEO, with Lurie’s vision to bring people together to support the autism community, has raised more than $9 million for cutting-edge autism research and programs since 2018. The Eagles Autism Challenge sets out to fund innovative research, drive scientific breakthroughs and provide critical resources, all in an effort to create a major shift from awareness to action. Through fundraising efforts associated with the Eagles’ Autism Foundation, a total of 25 research projects and community grants have been funded for exploratory work in the field of autism since 2018.

Mission Statement:

The Eagles Autism Challenge is dedicated to raising funds for innovative research and programs to help unlock the mystery of autism. By providing the necessary resources to doctors and scientists at leading institutions, we will be able to assist those currently affected by autism as well as future generations. Our event aims to inspire and engage the community, so together, we can provide much needed support to make a lasting impact in the field of autism.

At the Eagles, we take our responsibility to the community very seriously and look for how to best leverage our brand and ability to bring people together in order to drive critical resources and funding to autism. We want to give a voice to families who live with autism – the ones who are out there every day advocating, promoting, supporting and seeking out opportunities for their loved ones.

2020 Eagles’ Autism Foundation Grant Application Process

The Eagles’ Autism Foundation is inviting researchers to apply for grant funding to support basic and clinical autism research, studies concentrating on affected individuals and families, and diverse model systems.

The 2020 Eagles’ Autism Foundation Request for Application process will fund two-year pilot grants that demonstrate substantial published or preliminary data signifying that a strong scientific premise supports the study under review. Researchers interested in applying for a pilot grant are encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent to the Eagles’ Autism Foundation by Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. Once all research proposals have been fully vetted and approved by an independent scientific advisory board, a funding pool of more than $3 million – raised by the 2020 Eagles Autism Challenge – will be distributed and allocated to the principal investigators.

For More Information:  Please contact – Eagles’ Autism Foundation, One Nova Care Way, Philadelphia, PA 19145, (215) 339-6790

https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/eaglesautismfoundation/

When We All Vote: Join Our Voting Rights Call

04 Tuesday Aug 2020

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DeSean William Jackson

DeSean William Jackson

This Thursday, August 6th, is the 55th anniversary of the passage of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965, which protected people of color from laws that created barriers to voting.

Civil rights leaders like Rep. John Lewis were critical to passing the Voting Rights Act after marching 50 miles from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama to demand an end to voter discrimination against Black people. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the heart of the VRA resulting in states reverting to discriminatory practices restrictive to the voting rights of people of color.

On August 6th, to honor the anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the life and legacy of Rep. John Lewis, and the work ahead to make sure every eligible voter has equal access to the ballot box, we are hosting a Voting Rights Action Call at 8pm ET.

Join our Voting Rights Action Call this Thursday, August 6th at 8 pm ET/ 5pm PT. Until everyone can make their voice heard in every election, our work goes on. RSVP today and let us know you’ll be there! 

Voting Rights Action Call, Thursday, August 6th at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT; featuring voting rights experts from the Brennan Center and the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights

Our partners at the Brennan Center for Justice and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights will join us to discuss the critical work they’re doing to combat voter suppression and protect the voting rights of Americans in every election. We’ll also discuss the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and highlight resources and ways that you can take action to ensure safe and fair elections this fall.

With less than 100 days until the 2020 elections, it’s now all hands on deck. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or you’re looking for ways to level up your work in protecting the right to vote this election season — you won’t want to miss this call! RSVP now >>

Thank you for all that you do,

DeSean William Jackson, CEO, DeSean Jackson Foundation

When We All Vote

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DeSean Jackson Partners With The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation To Donate $10,000 To Support Top Prospects Baseball, Inc.

09 Sunday Feb 2020

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Philadelphia Eagles‘ Wide Receiver, DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson gives back to youth facility in Los Angeles where he learned to play baseball thanks to The DICK’S Foundation, Shock Doctor, McDavid, and Cutters

PITTSBURGH, PA /PRNewswire/ — The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation announced that it is awarding Top Prospects Baseball facility, in Los Angeles, a $10,000 Sports Matter grant in partnership with pro football player DeSean Jackson, an ambassador for United Sports Brands – parent company of Shock Doctor, McDavid, and Cutters.

The funds from the Sports Matter grant will be used to purchase new equipment and refurbish the organization’s fields where hundreds of inner-city youth athletes continue to learn to play baseball. A Los Angeles native, Jackson learned to play baseball with Top Prospects and is one of the most accomplished athletes in Southern California prep sports history.

“It’s really special for me to be able to give back to my hometown and help give kids the opportunity to play sports,” said Jackson. “I played a lot of different sports growing up, but most people don’t know that I almost played pro baseball. So much of what I do in football comes from what I learned in baseball, and that all started at Top Prospects.”

Jackson is the latest pro athlete to give back to his community via The DICK’S Foundation Sports Matter program, which has pledged to provide access to sports for one million young athletes by 2024.

“We’re thrilled to partner with DeSean Jackson and United Sports Brands to provide this Sports Matters grant to Top Prospects Baseball to help more kids have the opportunity to play,” said Aimee Watters, Executive Director of The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation. “Sports Matter was created because we believe playing sports make people better and we are committed to supporting all youth athletes in need, and this is just one way we are doing that.”

“We are honored to make this donation with DeSean Jackson and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation,” said Michael Magerman, President/CEO of United Sports Brands. “I’ve watched DeSean as a star on the football field for years, and to see him do this with an eye for the future of sports and young people in his community tells me a lot about who he is.”

Since 2014, DICK’S and the DICK’S Foundation have pledged more than $100 million to support youth sports teams and leagues in need. The Sports Matter program strives to increase awareness for the growing issue of underfunded youth athletics nationwide and provide much-needed support through equipment, uniform and monetary donations.

For more information on Sports Matter, visit SportsMatter.org.

About The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is an exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with a mission to inspire and enable sports participation.  It was created by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. as a private corporate foundation to support DICK’S charitable and philanthropic activities.

Contact DICK’S Sporting Goods: press@dcsg.com

About United Sports Brands

United Sports Brands is a global leader in sports performance and protective products designed to help athletes perform at their personal best. Brands within the portfolio include Shock Doctor, the #1 global leader in mouth guards and protection; McDavid, a performance and protective brand at the top of the recommended lists of pro athletes, sports medicine professionals and athletic trainers for more than 35 years; Cutters, the innovative leader in football gloves and high performance glove grip technology; and NATHAN, the running essentials market leader in athletic hydration, visibility and performance gear. United Sports Brands is also a portfolio company of Bregal Partners, a private equity investment firm. For more information, please visit www.Unitedspb.com.

Contact United Sports Brands: emiller@unitedspb.com

Contact DeSean Jackson:  deseanjacksonfoundationceo@yahoo.com

SOURCE DICK’S Sporting Goods

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DeSean Jackson: Why He Does, What He Does!

04 Friday Oct 2019

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Letter of Appreciation

Thanks to DeSean Jackson and Team Jackson!

My kids had a great time at the 2019 Inaugural DeSean Jackson Foundation F.A.S.T. Camp, in Long Beach, CA.  I mean my 7- year old caught a pass from an NFL Pro Bowler and the greatest deep threat in the history of the game!  I probably had the better time though.

I remember Desean helping me renovate property I owned,in Long Beach, when he was only 13 years old.  Then, to see him out there, at the F.A.S.T. Camp, being such an incredible host to these kids of all ages and ethnicity, working them hard while having a good time at the same time and really enjoying himself–It was AMAZING!

Then, the  camp instructors/coaches were not only providing excellent feedback and advice, they were all so engaging and having fun at the same time.  There was no wasted time – literally every kid got to be within inches of Desean Jackson, and it was AWESOME and competitive.  I just never anticipated such a well-orchestrated event especially when there are both kids and adolescents involved.

Furthermore, at the start DeSean Jackson told the kids that the only things he asks is that once they cross those lines onto the field, they give 110%; and, they DID!

Earlier in the day, I had showed my kids the Instagram that DeSean posted which read “They laugh at me because I am different. I laugh at them because they are all the same”. Things like that coming from a guy like DeSean really helps guide these kids in their journey to being solid young men.

The DeSean Jackson Foundation F.A.S.T. Camps are impressive, well-coordinated and organized.  DeSean is working his butt off making the rounds to various cities across the nation; and, having a great time.  He sets the mood for hard work and fun; and, at the same time giving the kids something tangible and substantive that impacts their lives.  Lastly, for this to be free of charge to all these kids was remarkable.

– Larry Guesno, Jr., Long Beach, CA

For More Information about scheduling a DeSean Jackson F.A.S.T. Camp, in your area, please contact:  Coach Gary Cablayan, garycablayan@yahoo.com

 

Larry Holmes’ 5th Annual Heart of a Legend Golf Event

03 Monday Jun 2019

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Heart of a Legend
https://www.heartofalegend.org/ 

“A true legend is determined by what deflects from the heart”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA, June 3, 2019
Post By: Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation

Diane and Larry Holmes

Please join Larry and Diane Holmes for their 5th Annual Heart of the Legend Golf Tournament, July 8, 2019, Riverview Country Club, Easton, PA. Mr. Holmes, “The Easton Assassin“, Heavyweight Champ, and his lovely wife, Diane, are extremely involved in domestic and international philanthropic endeavors; and, Mr. Holmes makes appearances and donates memorabilia to many charities to raise funds to sustain their programs.
Larry-Holmes

However, the Holmes state that, “Our hearts go out to the City of Easton and all of the proceeds from our annual Heart of a Legend Celebrity Golf Outing is reinvested into various charitable outreach programs and events for the betterment of Easton, PA.”

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles, W.R., says, “I was honored to have The Champ, Larry Holmes, support my inaugural DeSean Jackson Foundation Celebrity Golf Outing, at Landsdowne Resort, in 2015.” The Champ donated his time, entertained the media, golfers and guests; and, golfed in a suit,dress shoes and “dripping” in diamonds. I am appealing to all sports fans and mine specifically to support the Holmes even if you don’t golf you will definitely be entertained.”

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For More Information, please visit http://www.heartoflegend.org

DeSean Jackson embracing leadership role with young Eagles teammates

30 Thursday May 2019

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PHILADELPHIA, PA, 5/30/2019
By: Glenn Erby

When you watch the Philadelphia Eagles practice, the guy wearing No. 10 displays the same game-breaking speed and amazing burst on his routes, but something’s extremely different this time around for DeSean Jackson. Now 32 years old, Jackson has embraced the leadership role that accompanies a player of his stature.

“Just really being able to mature,” Jackson said on his mindset after his release from the Eagles, via 24/7 Sports. “When I was here I was young the first time around. Leaving, just kind of stepping up and being a pro, taking my job seriously. Not saying I never took my job serious before. It took time to grow and just to learn. I’ve been through a lot and I have a lot to give back to the young guys.

“Like JJ (Arcega-Whiteside). He’s asking me questions about routes and all the younger guys. I just have a lot to offer to these young dudes. That’s what I’m here for.”

Arcega-Whiteside, the rookie wide receiver from Stanford University, has probably benefited the most from DeSean Jackson’s return to the Eagles and the valuable experience he offers.

“He’s a great leader. Every time I ask him a question, he stands aside and makes sure he knows what I’m asking,” Arcega-Whiteside said (via Eagles Press Pass). “He’s been very helpful. I mean, he’s played 12 years in the league. He definitely knows a thing or two.”

Jackson without a doubt is a changed man since he last donned the Eagles uniform and if he translates that league-leading 18 yard per reception into huge gains for the Eagles, then things will have come full circle for the man known simply as, D-Jax.

DeSean Jackson Scheduled to Visit Just Elementary and Stewart Middle School Today

13 Tuesday Nov 2018

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Gayle Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation @deseanjacksonfoundationceo@yahoo.com

desean_jackson_blog

One Team, One Purpose!

DeSean Jackson, CEO and Co-Founder, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, and his mother, Gayle Jackson, are scheduled to visit Ernest Just Elementary and Stewart Middle School, Tampa, Florida. Mr. Jackson is scheduled to arrive at Ernest Just Elementary at 12:30 p.m. to meet with the high-regarded principal, Principal Ire Carolina,students and faculty; and, the Jacksons will continue on to Stewart Middle School directly afterwards to make a presentation of new books to the esteemed principal of Stewart Middle Magnet School, Dr. Baretta Wilson.
dr. wilsonDr. Barretta Wilson, Principal, Stewart Middle School with DeSean and Byron Jackson (DeSean’s brother)

Gayle Jackson, a former probation officer in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, PA, states that today’s visits will, hopefully, raise social consciousness to the national dialogue regarding social injustice, disparities and gentrification; and, showcase two schools that are changing the lives of vulnerable families and children in their communities regardless of their dire circumstances.
ernest just day 27Ire Carolina, Principal, Ernest Just Elementary and DeSean Jackson, CEO, DeSean Jackson Foundation

Principal Carolina states, “Our vision, at Ernest Just Elementary, is for students to become life-long learners and have a positive impact on their community. Just Elementary is located in West Tampa across from North Boulevard Homes where students have been a product of generational poverty”. Stewart Middle School is in walking distance from Just Elementary, states DeSean Jackson, and its awesome to see how the students excel under Dr. Wilson’s leadership. Both Dr. Wilson and Principal Carolina are dedicated to providing their students and families with as many opportunities as possible to prepare them academically and socially for life’s challenges.

It is imperative, Gayle Jackson states, that my son know the true meaning of Social Justice, and to use the platform that he has been blessed with to impact the lives of those who have no voice. Today, marks another step in that direction in our lives as a family and advocates for social change.

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DeSean Jackson Partners with E. E. Just Elementary to Empower & Motivate Tampa Youth

03 Monday Sep 2018

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Press Release

Tampa Florida,  September 3, 2018

DeSean Jackson, All Pro wide receiver, for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his mother, Gayle Jackson, announced today that they have accepted an invitation, from Ire Carolina, Principal, Ernest E. Just Elementary, to partner with the Jacksons and their foundation in an effort to empower and motivate Just Elementary students.

Gayle Jackson states that the timing is perfect.  Last year, we were new to the Tampa Bay NFL franchise market. DeSean’s work schedule, the move and getting acclimated to a new team and City were first and foremost.  This year, we wanted to re-brand and launch the DeSean Jackson Foundation in Tampa; and, it was important to DeSean that we go “off the grid” to develop a partnership with an elementary, middle and high school where he could be very engaged and impact the lives of those we serve.

Just Elementary is good fit because Ernest E. Just was a pioneering African-American biologist, academic & science writer.  Gayle wants to challenge the students to preserve Mr. Just’s legacy; and, hopefully, aspire to a career in research for a cure for Pancreatic Cancer.  She also wants to encourage other NFL Moms, of Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ players, to join her in bringing Read Across America to Just Elementary.

DeSean is looking forward to meeting with the young men and boys in the Just Gents Club and sharing his experiences and “Rites of Passage into Manhood’ as learned from his father, the streets of Crenshaw, the NFL and now as a father himself.

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Contact For the DeSean Jackson Foundation:  Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation, E-Mail: deseanjacksonfoundationceo@yahoo.com

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Hillsborough County Public Schools logo

Ernest E. JUST ELEMENTARY

August 29, 2018

To:  Mrs. Gayle Jackson and Mr. DeSean Jackson –  DeSean Jackson Foundation 

The Omega Gent’s mentoring was established here at the Ernest E. Just Elementary in 2010.  Omega Psi Fraternity, along with school personnel, have been mentoring about 35 students a year. This club’s program ideas are based on the vision of Stephen G. Peters, founder of the original gentlemen’s club, “Just Gents”, that was established here at Just Elementary in 2008.   The ideals of the program are to reach and educate All of our children one child at a time. The Just Gents Club provides a vehicle to accomplish this goal.

Our vision at Just Elementary is for students to become life-long learners and have a positive impact on their community. Just Elementary is located in West Tampa across from the North Boulevard Homes where students have been a product of generational poverty. Just is a Title I school with 98% of our students receiving free or reduced lunch. Although the community is undergoing redevelopment and our population has decreased, our student needs have not changed. We strive to provide them with as many opportunities as possible to prepare them academically and socially, but the support of outside organizations is imperative to help us meet our goals. My mantra is the Possibilities are Endless….Just Believe!

Just would love the opportunity to partner with your son, DeSean, and the DeSean Jackson Foundation. Personally, I am a fan of DeSean’s and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It would truly be an honor for my students and school to be affiliated with your foundation.

I look forward to working with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Ire Carolina, Principal

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About:  The Just Gents, Ernest E. Just Elementary, Tampa, Florida

The Just Gents meet twice a month to learn character development concepts and discuss the value of true friendship. Role-playing and modeling techniques are used to create and enhance the individual self-esteem and a number of icebreakers and a scenarios are used to practice effective teamwork. The boys are in grades 3 to 5 and range from 8 to 11 years old.

Just Elementary14

The Just Gents program is based upon the cardinal principles  Rites of Passage Into Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and to Uplift the school’s name sake Ernest E. Just, who was a founding member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

JustElementary5

Members of the community are brought in to speak with the youth and encourage them to value themselves, families, friends and neighbors. Throughout the year, the youth learn new strategies to deal with the hardships of school and life as a young male growing up in today’s culture. At the end of the year the youth are engaged in challenges to complete task to exemplify what they have learned throughout the year.

Just Elementary11

Upon completing the program the youth receive awards however the youth who complete the challenges are awarded enriched achievement awards such as bicycles, gift cards, etc. at the end of the year banquet.

Just Elementary6

ABOUT:  Ernest E. Just Elementary

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Ernest Everett Just (August 14, 1883 – October 27, 1941) was a pioneering African American biologist, academic and science writer. Just’s primary legacy is his recognition of the fundamental role of the cell surface in the development of organisms. In his work within marine biology, cytology and parthenogenesis, he advocated the study of whole cells under normal conditions, rather than simply breaking them apart in a laboratory setting. In addition to his scientific contributions, On November 17, 1911, Ernest E. Just assisted three Howard students in establishing Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Originally a Junior High School that opened to relieve overcrowding at nearby Blake High School, Just had subsequently been used as a Head Start and 6th Grade Center, and then as an Early Childhood Center, serving preschool, Head Start, and Kindergarten children, until its closing in 2003. In 2003, construction began on a new Elementary School that would, for the first time in 30 years, provide services to the students from its community.
On August 5, 2004, Ernest E. Just Elementary opened its doors to a student population that quickly rose to over 650 children. The staff at Just is striving to provide each and every student with an education and sense of self-worth that will carry them well beyond the education system. Carrying the torch in a legacy that began with our namesake is a challenge that enriches not only the students and staff of Ernest E. Just Elementary, but also the community and beyond.  

Just Elementary1

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Just Elementary2

 

ERNEST E. JUST ELEMENTARY – DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (by %)
Total Enrollment 305 students
Asian 0.98%
Black 85.57%
Hispanic 9.84%
Indian 0.00%
Multi 1.64%
White 1.97%

What DeSean Jackson needs to break a Jerry Rice NFL Record

12 Sunday Aug 2018

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Repost: By The DeSean Jackson Foundation, 8/12/2018

Greg Auman, Times staff writer
Published: July 16, 2018

 

We’re close enough to the 2018 NFL season that we can start talking about records that could be broken in the normal course of the Bucs’ season ahead.

DeSean Jackson has a chance to break one of Jerry Rice’s career NFL records. No, not the 197 career touchdown catches, not the 1,549 career catches, not the 22,895 career receiving yards — to be clear, nobody in history is within 40 touchdowns or 220 catches or 6,000 yards of those marks. Pretty amazing.

The record in jeopardy? Most total touchdowns of at least 60 yards in a career. Jackson has 22; Rice has the record at 23, so with just two deep balls in 2018, Jackson has a cool (if obscure) place in the history books. Want to stump a friend? Ask who the next three on the list are. Maybe you get Devin Hester (21), but probably not Bobby Mitchell (20 from 1958-68) or Lance Alworth (19 from 1962-72).

Jackson didn’t have any plays of 60-plus yards last season, just the second time in his nine NFL seasons that he went a full year without one, along with 2011.

Jackson’s 60-yard touchdowns come from all over — 14 with the Eagles, eight with the Redskins; 17 on receptions, one on a rush and four on returns. He had six (!) in 2009.

You can find video of most of the 22 here on the NFL’s site.

Since 1994 (as far as pro-football-reference.com goes back for this), Jackson has the most 60-yard touchdown receptions with 17, more than Randy Moss (16), Terrell Owens (13) and Steve Smith (12). The only NFL player with 10-plus 60-yard TD runs in that span is Adrian Peterson, with 13.

How embarrassingly close was Jackson to another 60-yard score? In 2011, he had a 61-yard touchdown catch that was reviewed and determined to be a 60-yard catch and fumble at the 1-yard line as he tossed the ball a split-second too early in celebration. The Eagles punched it in on the next play.

The Bucs last year also charted Jackson’s all-time ranking in total touchdowns of 50-plus yards. He has 26, and one more will tie him with Owens for third at 27; only Moss (29) and Rice (36) have more than that. So anyway, you have something obscure to root for in 2018. We’ll have more traditional records (that don’t involve Rice) that could fall as the season nears …

 

DeSean Jackson lifts spirits of teen D.J. Myers, who was paralyzed last year at a football camp

11 Saturday Aug 2018

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  • Jenna LaineESPN Staff Writer

TAMPA, Fla. — By the time Rhonda D’Haiti got to her 16-year-old son D.J. Myers’ side on July 25, 2017, he’d been strapped to a stretcher, airlifted to the hospital and was moments away from undergoing a 10-hour surgery. Unable to move from the neck down, he looked up at her and said, “If I can’t play football, I’m going to die.”

Fast-forward one year, and Myers, who is now 17, is in a wheelchair and unable to feel anything below his belly button. Football is out of the question, and he has yet to return to his regular classes at South Lake High School in Groveland, Florida. But he’s in good spirits and thriving, thanks in part to some encouragement from Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver DeSean Jackson, whom Myers met in person for the first time Saturday.

“I can’t do it, I can’t do it,” Myers said, fighting back tears, burying his face in his hands and unable to look up as the three-time Pro Bowler walked toward him. “Oh my God, man. Oh my God.”

It was Jackson’s face he saw on a cellphone video, days after surgery, when he was recovering, and Jackson’s autographed jersey that came in the mail. Several friends and family members had reached out to the Buccaneers, telling them about the accident, the result of a collision during a football camp.

“What’s going on D.J.? It’s DeSean Jackson, wide receiver [for the] Buccaneers,” he said in the video. “I heard I was your favorite player. I just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery. Put God first, keep praying, I’ll pray for you as well and hopefully everything goes back to normal. I’m sorry about your injury. Get well, and like I said, put God first and God bless you. Take care, man.”

“I know he was down. I just wanted to send him an encouraging message, to not get down on himself,” Jackson told ESPN. “When you’re diagnosed with being paralyzed and not having a chance to walk, that’s definitely a devastating thing. So [I was] just trying to motivate him and cheer him up a little bit.”

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Doctors had to go through the front of Myers’ neck and then the back to remove a fractured C5 vertebra and replace it with a metal piece. A rod was inserted where he fractured his C6, fusing it with the bone. Myers had to have a tracheotomy tube put in to help him breathe. He was in the hospital for almost four months. Hearing from his hero, whom he’d followed since middle school and whose jersey Nos. 1 and 11 he wore, too, brought a glimmer of hope when Myers needed it most.

“I was really in a down place. When he sent that, it really made me want to do therapy, it made me want to get up out of the bed, just do stuff like that,” Myers said. “I was doing therapy, literally, and he sent me the video, my heart just like dropped. I was like, ‘Wow. He really cares for me.’ It really touched my heart that he did that for me. Because not a lot of players would ever be able to do that, ya know?”

Doctors told the family it’s too soon to determine how much Myers will recover. His spinal cord wasn’t severed, but there was damage to it, a condition referred to as incomplete quadriplegia. Myers has regained a small amount of dexterity in his hands. He gets severe headaches, too. Then there are the muscle spasms and stiffness in his legs. The physical therapy has been exhausting.

“It’s like you having a migraine, times 100,” D’Haiti said of her son’s condition. “I don’t know if it’s the shock that goes through his body, but [there] are times where the [muscle] spasms can be so intense that it will literally freeze him.”

Miraculously, though, Myers has been able to stay on track with his schoolwork through correspondence courses and finished last year with a 4.0 GPA. He is entering his senior year and took senior pictures with his high school teammates.

Additionally, Myers has been nominated for the Teen Leadership Council at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and is now running for president of the council.

“His spirit has never faded,” D’Haiti said. “His faith has never faded. He’s still a typical 17-year-old. Like he always says, ‘He’s broken but not defeated.’ That’s his mindset that we try and keep.”

Jackson introduced him to teammates as his little brother. They talked football and video games. Jackson even said he’d get him a copy of the new Madden for his Xbox.

“Is your game nice though? Is it nice or not?” Jackson joked.

Myers snapped back, “Yeah, man, I will whoop you!”

Jackson laughed, “I’ve gotta get your gamer tag then.”

“[I told him], ‘Don’t get down on yourself,'” Jackson said. “I know it’s hard, it’s tough, especially going through therapy. [He’s] taking it one step at a time and just really trying to better himself. Mentally, just not being able to just get up and go outside and walk and play with friends, I’m sure it’s [frustrating], but I’m just trying to encourage him …”

Jackson’s encouragement means a lot, especially now. High school football is starting up again. Myers’ dream was to earn a college scholarship to play at Florida State. Now, he’s volunteering as an assistant to help the high school’s coaching staff, who honored him by retiring his jersey.

Jackson marveled at Myers’ willingness to help his teammates.

“That just shows his motivation, his willingness not to quit, to not give up,”  Jackson said. “It shows other players around him that he might be going through something tragic, but he’s gonna continue to be motivated. It shows others around him that it’s not gonna break him.”