Live, Virtual Program A presentation by the Toronto District School Board’s African Heritage Committee, Jewish Heritage Committee, Liberation75, USC Shoah Foundation, and Peel District School Board was televised on February 25th, 2021, 1-2 pm
Surprise Guest Host/Student Panel Moderator Dr. Stephen D. Smith Executive Director Chair, USC Shoah Foundation
Special Guest Max Eisen Holocaust Survivor from the Greater Toronto Area
Special Guest Joe Wilson Jr Author of “The 761st “Black Panther” Tank Battalion in World War II, Son of Joe Wilson Sr, a member of the 761st Tank Battalion
Special Guest DeSean William Jackson CEO/Co-Founder, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur NFL All Pro Wide Receiver, Free Agent
Special Guest John L. Withers II Author of “Balm in Gilead”, former UN Ambassador to Albania and Son of Lieutenant John L. Withers, a WWII soldier who befriended and saved two Jewish Holocaust Survivors
Students participated in this program (Grades 6-12) to explore how stories create the possibility to learn about themselves and others, and how we can affect change right now.
The 761st Tank Battalion was the first all African-American Tank Battalion in World War II. They were instrumental in helping defeat the Nazis as well as liberating several concentration camps. Holocaust survivor, Max Eisen, was in one of the camps they liberated.
Our world has seen an increase in Anti-Black racism and Anti-semitism. This conversation helped us consider what we have learned from history and witnesses to genocide; and, reflect on how that knowledge can help us take action to counteract hate.
For more information – Shari Schwartz-Maltz, Toronto District School Board, Media Relations & Issues Manager, shari.schwartz-maltz@tdsb.on.ca; 416-518-5551
By RICH ARCHBOLD | rarchbold@scng.com | Press-Telegram PUBLISHED: December 23, 2020 at 12:03 p.m. | UPDATED: December 23, 2020 at 2:55 p.m.
From left holding check, Don Rodriguez, CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, Willie McGinest of the New England Patriots, and Yvonne Withers, mother of NFL player Marcedes Lewis pose for a photograph on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
Star football player Willie McGinest paid a visit to a Long Beach Boys & Girls Club last week and was so impressed by what he saw that he decided he wanted to do something a little extra for the kids.
That little extra turned out to be a whopping $50,000 check that McGinest gave to Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, this week at the John and Alice Wallace Petrolane Center, on Lemon Avenue.
McGinest said the donation is coming from him and three of his friends, all former Poly High Jackrabbits like himself and now playing in the NFL: Marcedes Lewis, who is with the Green Bay Packers; DeSean Jackson with the Philadelphia Eagles and Jayon Brown with the Tennessee Titans.
From left, Willie McGinest of the New England Patriots and Yvonne Withers, mother of NFL player Marcedes Lewis pose for a photograph during the presentation of a $50,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
“I reached out to each of them to help the Boys & Girls Clubs, and nobody hesitated,” McGinest said to a group of supporters and youngsters gathered in the gym at the Petrolane Center. “They all wanted to make a difference for these kids.” McGinest said he also has reached out to the NFL for a donation and expects the NFL to help but didn’t know the exact amount yet of its contribution.
The donations from McGinest and his friends came at the end of the Press-Telegram’s Let’s Play Ball drive asking readers to donate sports balls and other athletic equipment to benefit kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Long Beach. A final report on the number of balls and money donated will be in the Press-Telegram this weekend.
McGinest said he was especially impressed with how the Boys & Girls Clubs are helping kids during the pandemic with academic and athletic programs, including meals. “I was touched by all that the Boys & Girls clubs are doing, especially during this pandemic,” he said. “Long Beach is my city, and these kids need to know how great the city is and how the community is helping them.”
Willie McGinest, a star football player for the New England Patriots, and Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach pose for a photograph on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
McGinest, who was 8 years old when he joined the Boys & Girls Club, said he learned teamwork at the club that helped him through championship seasons at Poly High, USC and the New England Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls. In 2006, he was inducted into the National Boys & Girls Clubs’ Alumni Hall of Fame.
Willie McGinest, a star football player for the New England Patriots, autographs footballs donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
McGinest also introduced the group at the Petrolane club to Yvonne Withers, mother of Marcedes Lewis, who grew up at that Boys & Girls Club spot.
“My son loved the Boys & Girls Club,” Withers said Tuesday, Dec. 22. “It kept him out of trouble. He was happy to give back and help out.”
Jason Brown, who grew up with McGinest and is the father of NFLer, Jayon Brown, said his son was happy to help out also.
“The Boys & Girls Clubs are doing a great job for kids.,” the father said. “I appreciate what they are doing.”
“It seems like this all in the family,” McGinest said to applause.
Gayle Jackson, mother of DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles‘, and President, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, who also oversees her son’s vested in the Cali Bears Youth Football & Cheerleaders, which is based on Long Beach, extended DeSean’s sincere apology for not being able to attend the event due to his team obligations in Philadelphia; and, also wanted to applaud and thank Willie McGinest for reaching out to DeSean. “Long Beach and the kids in Long Beach will always have a special place in DeSean’s heart”, states Mrs. Jackson, “when Sunday Night Football comes on and the players are profiled in the starting line-up and proudly state their college, DeSean always says “Long Beach Poly Tech” versus the University of California, Berkley where he had a stellar collegiate career.
Also present at the event were Daysha Austin, president of the Long Beach Patriots, a youth football organization started by McGinest, with her husband, Long Beach Councilman, Al Austin; newly elected Long Beach school board member, Eric Miller; and Chork Nim, chief of staff representing newly elected Long Beach Councilwoman, Suely Saro.
“This is an exciting day for us and the kids,” Rodriguez said. “It’s great to see an alumni like Willie and his friends giving back this way.”
The crowd, smaller than usual because of the pandemic, still had plenty to cheer about and gave McGinest and his friends a rousing ovation.
###########
Reposted with permission by: Joie Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation.
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.
# # # #
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
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 VotingRights 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!
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
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 $10,000Sports 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 SportsMatter 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 SportsMatter, 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.
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.
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
“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
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.
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.”
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.
Contact: Gayle Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation @deseanjacksonfoundationceo@yahoo.com
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. 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. Ire 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.
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.
# # # #
Contact For the DeSean Jackson Foundation: Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation, E-Mail: deseanjacksonfoundationceo@yahoo.com
# # # #
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
# # # #
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.
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.
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.
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.
ABOUT: Ernest E. Just Elementary
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.
ERNEST E. JUST ELEMENTARY – DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (by %)
Dr. Barretta Wilson, Principal, Stewart Middle School with DeSean and Byron Jackson (DeSean’s brother)
Ire Carolina, Principal, Ernest Just Elementary and DeSean Jackson, CEO, DeSean Jackson Foundation
