DeSean Jackson looks to continue community impact in his hometown

29 Thursday Jul 2021

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DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, DeSean Jackson Joins Rams, NFL Players Giving Back

Mar 31, 2021 at 09:00 AM

Stu Jackson

Staff Writer, LA Rams

Repost by DeSean Jackson Foundation, 7/29/21

For new Rams wide receiver DeSean Jackson, his Los Angeles homecoming is bigger than football.

Yes, he gets a chance to potentially close out his career winning a Super Bowl in the Rams’ home stadium, in his hometown. But he is also afforded an opportunity to be closer to the community he was raised in, and by extension more hands-on as he continues to give back to it.

“For me, Los Angeles, California – being born and raised here in L.A., man, this is very personal for me,” Jackson said during his introductory video conference last Friday. “I felt like being able to have that upbringing and background from me being able to be raised here when I go all across the world, it’s like a demeanor you carry yourself with, it’s a swag you have. So, for me to be back here in L.A., man, I know the inner city very well. I come from that, and I just want to reach back and help pull people out.

Jackson has long maintained a connection to his West Coast roots even as the first 13 years of his professional professional football career kept him on the opposite side of the country.

He grew up in the Crenshaw neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles before attending Long Beach Polytechnic High School, but still gives back to both communities.

Last December, he teamed up with Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis, Titans linebacker Jayon Brown and former Patriots and Browns linebacker Willie McGinest – all of whom are also Long Beach Poly alumni – to donate $50,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach. When the Cali Bears Youth Football Team – founded in 2018 and serving disadvantaged, inner-city youth in South Central Los Angeles – needed funding to save their 2019 season, Jackson stepped up with a $30,000 donation to cover uniforms, equipment, referees and venue fees to make it possible.

Jackson also hosted a youth football camp in Los Angeles in 2014 with the Crenshaw Colts, a local youth Pop Warner football league; and, held an inaugural DeSean Jackson Foundation youth FAST Camp, of elite performance skills, for 250 youth in Long Beach in 2019.

“The poverty, the slums, where we’re stuck at, we don’t really have the opportunity to get out of there and go see things different,” Jackson said. “So for me, I’m continuously in those areas to just help kind of change the mentality, from how we were raised and what we grew up doing, just to really be on some positivity going out and helping kids stay in school, stay off the streets, stay away from drugs and just really create platforms and opportunities for these young kids that have somebody to kind of lean on when they feel like they’re down and out and they don’t have no one to listen to or to get answers from. That’s kind of what I see myself bringing here to the city, is something I’ve already really been doing.”

Regardless of what those initiatives look like, Jackson ultimately wants to set an example for Los Angeles youth that their hard work can be rewarded, knowing how much of an impression it made on him at a young age through his older brother.

“Just to be able to have them know I’m here, to really give these kids the opportunity to come to training camp, to come watch us play and really see how it’s done,” Jackson said. “Because at a young age, my older brother, Byron (Jackson) played for the Kansas City Chiefs and he actually had a great relationship with (former head coach) Dick Vermeil. I can remember I was like nine years old, he took me to a training camp in Wisconsin and as a young kid to be able to see what it takes, how hard they work from really being in training camp in dorm rooms to waking up early in the morning, to having a full day where it’s nothing else but waking up in the morning, to eating breakfast, to going to meetings, to practice, to taking a lunch break, then going back to meetings, going back to practice, just being able to see that as a young kid speaks volumes. So, for me, I just want to be able to show these kids the hard work it takes.

“… I’m just excited to be able to show these kids what it takes. For me being who I am and the stature, like I say, I really think they’re able to like see and like, ‘Dang, like if he can make it, it gives me possibilities of hopes that they can make it.”

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Photo Credit: Brevin Townsell/LA Rams

Make-A-Wish: Donovan Troy Update

13 Thursday Aug 2020

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DeSean Jackson, Donovan Troy, NFL, NFL Players Giving Back, NFLPA, Philadelphia Eagles, University of West Georgia

DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles, sends his sincere congratulations to Donovan Troy, a 2020 high school graduate from Metro Atlanta, who matriculated at the University of West Georgia this week. Jackson states that he is extremely proud of Donovan’s accomplishments despite adversity; and, commends Donovan’s parents for the integral role they play. “Family is first and foremost in everything”, states Jackson, “including life in order for us to be empowered and fulfill our destiny”.

DeSean Jackson met the Donovan family in 2012 when the Make-A-Wish foundation honored a wish from Troy Donovan, a 10-year-old, to spend a day with his idol Philadelphia Eagles‘ wide receiver, DeSean Jackson.

One month after he was born, Donovan Troy was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of sickle-cell anemia. Donovan had to avoid situations that could exacerbate his condition, such as being outside in extreme heat, or even swimming. Football specifically was discouraged, especially after Donovan’s spleen was removed when he was a toddler. Donovan needed monthly blood transfusions. Contact sports could create serious complications. Donovan’s uncle, Cedric, was 32 when he died from the same condition. But Donovan loved football, and while his parents wanted to protect him, they also didn’t want him spending his whole life in hospitals. How the youngster from Atlanta became a fan of the thirteen-year wide receiver from Philadelphia remains a mystery to his family. “My husband and I were born and raised in Atlanta; so, we’re both natives, but he is not a Falcons fan at all,” Tara said. “He loves DeSean Jackson. He always talks about how fast DeSean Jackson is.”

Over the years, Tara Troy has continued to keep DeSean Jackson and his mother, Gayle, informed of Donovan’s accomplishments and also extended the unwavering support for DeSean. It began with Donovan’s wish and has developed into an “extended family”.

– Joie Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation

Photo Credits: Tara Donovan, 08/2020.
Ee8c_dtXgAESDV8 Donovan Troy (Center) 2020 KS Duke Foundation Honoree
Donovan Donovan Troy, University of West Georgia, 2020 Freshman Move-In Day

Diagnosed as an infant with a hematologic disorder, 10-year-old Donovan was told he wouldn’t be able to play sports. But he beat the odds, and his love for football and the Philadelphia Eagles made DeSean Jackson his hero, and his wish.

More About Make-A-Wish:
“My Wish” is a collaborative effort with Make-A-Wish that chronicles the granting of unique sports-related wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Make-A-Wish® grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the United States and its territories, on average, every 38 minutes. We believe that a wish experience can be a game-changer. This one belief guides us. It inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve.

Learn more about how you can help grant wishes at wish.org

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DeSean Jackson Foundation Supports Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium Testing in Philadelphia’s Marginalized Communities

17 Friday Jul 2020

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#BlackLivesMatter, Black Doctors' Covid-19 Consortium, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Dr. Ala Stanford, Gayle Jackson and NFL Moms, Mayor Jim Kenney, NFL Foundation, NFL Foundation Social Justice Fund, NFL Players Giving Back, NFLPA, Racial Disparities, SEPTA

On May 25, 2020, DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles, and his charity, the DeSean Jackson Foundation, awarded a $5,000.00 NFL Foundation Players’ Social Justice Fund grant to the Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium “BDCC”. BDCC is Philadelphia’s first mobile Covid testing site which was launched by Dr. Ala Stanford using her personal assets, a small grant from the CARES Act and a Go Fund Me Page.

DeSean Jackson states that health professionals have rightly called racism a public health crisis and the Corona Virus pandemic has emerged as perhaps the most telling example of the impact disparities in healthcare in our nation’s history. While more than 138,000 people in the United States have died from from COVID-19 roughly 18% of them are Black, though only 13% of Americans are Black. Furthermore, in Philadelphia, Black people are disproportionately affected by the pandemic and have accounted for half of the 23,951 positive cases of COVID-19 and more than half of the 1,433 people who have died from the virus as of June 10th, while the city’s Black residents make up about 44% of the population. Yet, the city has failed to focus on serving the crucial for testing in the Black community and many Black residents face barriers to accessing the city’s testing sites. Therefore, DeSean Jackson deemed Dr. Ala Stanford’s Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium a worthy recipient of the prestigious NFL Foundation Social Justice Players’ Fund grant for her social justice and humanitarian efforts.

APTOPIX Virus Outbreak Pennsylvania Daily Life

Dr. Ala Stanford administers a COVID-19 swab test on Wade Jeffries in the parking lot of Pinn Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Wednesday, April 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

To date, Stanford and her Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium have tested more than 5,000 residents at 22 triage-mobile testing events in partnership with Philadelphia’s Black churches. Roughly 96% of those tested are Black, Stanford said. “This whole enterprise came from a life of being Black in America and having to wait, of people telling you, “Be patient, don’t worry, help is coming. “I was tired of waiting for someone to save us.” Stanford said it costs roughly $25,000 a day to test between 250 and 300 people and with no vaccine available for COVID-19 in the foreseeable future it is imperative that the city provide funding to sustain BDCC because #BlackLivesMatter.

Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation has been advocating for additional support for BCDD. Gayle states that Dr. Stanford’s business model consists of the free COVID-19 testing, outreach to marginalized communities; and, a concierge-after care and wrap around service. This meets a critical gap in services because the vulnerable population BCDD serves needs assistance when a positive diagnosis is received; and, access to healthcare and resources for those afflicted, their loved ones and support for the caregivers. Mrs. Jackson immediately reached out to Julie Hirsey, Director of Community Affairs, Philadelphia Eagles, when Gayle learned that a bid BCDD had submitted to the City of Philadelphia for $6.9 million in funding for testing from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention to expands its operations and perform contact tracing was declined. [Philadelphia Eagles’ also have a Social Justice Fund.]

DeSean Jackson said the issue of the rejection of the Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium bid raised his awareness and social consciousness to the City of Philadelphia’s longer-term failure to develop and cultivate an effective W/MBE system. [Women and Minority Business Enterprises]. For instance, in the 2019 fiscal year, business enterprises owned by people of color were only awarded 36% of the city’s contracts, amounting roughly $254 million, according to the city’s Office Economic Opportunity 2019 report. He advocated behind the scenes for a reversal of the city’s decision.

Status To Date:

On, June 9, 2020, Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Mayor, Thomas Farley, Health Commissioner; and, members of the City of Philadelphia City Council announced the commitment to provide funding to the Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium during a news conference at Enon Baptist Tabernacle Church where BDCC was providing free Corona Virus testing. The $1.3 million city contract will last six months with the potential to continue the partnership.

On June 11, 2020, Dr. Stanford and the Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium entered into a partnership with SEPTA, the 6th largest transportation system in the United States, to provide free COVID-19 testing at four transit stations, in Philadelphia. The partnership comes at a critical moment for SEPTA. The 9,500-strong workforce lost seven colleagues to the Corona Virus; and, nearly 300 employees have tested positive for the virus. While 60% of those afflicted have returned to work and new safety measures are in place, the region is in the midst of a re-opening that will increase risk for SEPTA employees.

– Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium performing on-site testing at SEPTA.

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For More Information About:

DeSean Jackson Foundation: Joie Adams, deseanjacksonfoundationceo@yahoo.com

National Football League Foundation: Please visit – https://www.nflfoundation.org

Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium:

https://www.fox29.com/video/674593

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2020-05-03/the-black-doctor-covid-19-consortium-video

Philadelphia Eagles’ DeSean Jackson Donates $30,000 To California Youth Football Team

21 Saturday Sep 2019

Posted by deseanjacksonsfoundation in NFL Players Giving Back

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American Youth Football League, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, NFL Players Giving Back, Philadelphia Eagles, Southern California King Conference

desean-3 (1) Photo Credit: NFL

DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles, donated $30,000 to the Cali Bears Youth Football and Cheerleaders, an American Youth Football League (“AYF”), Southern King Conference, team, based in Los Angeles, in response to an appeal from the team to Mr. Jackson, for crucial funding to save the organization’s 2019 season. The Cali Bears Youth Football Team serves over 150 disadvantaged, inner-city youth, in South Central Los Angeles; and, was founded in 2018. Crucial funds were needed for uniforms, equipment, referee and venue fees; and, without these funds the entire season was in jeopardy.

Gayle Jackson, President, of DeSean Jackson Foundation, on behalf of DeSean Jackson and his foundation, presented the check to Leila Sedighan of the Southern California King Conference, Cali Bears Youth Football Team.

Cali Bears Check Presentation

As the DeSean Jackson Foundation’s president, Gayle Jackson emphasizes the importance of the foundation’s mission and goals. “The foundation was established in honor of DeSean’s father, William ‘Bill’ Jackson, who sacrificed his life to put his son in a position to do what he’s doing today,” Mrs. Jackson said.

Bill dedicated his life to building a structured foundation and deterrent against negative influences for DeSean by utilizing sports in his formative years. [Frequently, Bill had DeSean play for several teams simultaneously which required changing uniforms in the car between games.]

“DeSean gives back because my son believes, in his heart, that the reason he’s blessed is to be a blessing; and, DeSean also believes he is responsible for preserving Bill’s vision and instilled values to never forget where you came from and those left behind; and, sometimes that works to his detriment; but, he is indeed his father’s son.”

“That’s what the DeSean Jackson Foundation is about: Mentoring, empowering and building confidence in these young kids,” Gayle Jackson said. “To me, that can change a person’s life; and, that’s is what DeSean Jackson, the Philadelphia Eagles’ All-Pro wide receiver, has continued to do throughout his 12 years in the NFL.”

# # # # # #

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

American Youth Football, Inc., established in 1996, is a support services organization, dedicated to giving back to communities by promoting the wholesome development of youth through their association with exemplary adult leaders in the sport of American football and cheer. Guidelines are established to ensure that players play in an atmosphere of learning with a competitive balance between teams. Contact: Dee Graver, National Football Commissioner (602) 283-6006. https://www.americanyouthfootball.com/index.html

Southern California King Conference: Wilson Mays, Southern California King Conference, Commissioner (310) 251-3080.
For More About Southern California King Conference: https://www.sckingconference.com/home

Compton boys football program adds nutritional training table

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2019 DeSean Jackson Foundation, F.A.S.T. Camp – Long Beach, California

06 Tuesday Aug 2019

Posted by deseanjacksonsfoundation in NFL Players Giving Back

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Byron Jackson, Darrick Davis, DeSean Jackson, Gary Cablayan, Gayle Jackson, Irving Booker, John Ross, Long Beach, Long Beach Poly Tech, NFL, NFL Players Giving Back, Philadelphia Eagles, Samie Parker, Stephen Barbee, Terance Austin, Travis Clark, Travon Patterson

DeSean Jackson Hosts Free Football Camp In Long Beach

July 11, 2019, Long Beach, CA, By, Mike Guardabascio, The 562.Org

As usual, Long Beach was host to an NFL player putting on a free summer football camp for local youth last weekend. That’s become regular in Long Beach, where the kids have had plenty of opportunity to hear from local guys made good over the past several years. What was unusual was the NFLer at the center of the hundreds of eager young campers: Long Beach Poly alum DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles.

The camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium was the first free offering Jackson has put on in Long Beach, and he said it was an emotional homecoming for him putting the event on at Vets.

“It’s always a pleasure to be back in Long Beach where I started my career and legacy,” he said. “A lot of familiar faces come out and support, guys I played with, coaches. It’s really an honor to have them here, you don’t get to see all of them a lot.”

Jackson has put on several camps over the years, but not in the city where he first made his name.

“I’ve always taken pride in putting on events like this to have the people who helped me get to this point in my career give these kids the principles that made me who I am,” said Jackson. “I want to give back to these kids out here today, it’s a blessing to have the opportunity to put this camp on. These kids area huge inspiration to me in my life on a daily basis.”

Poly coach Stephen Barbee was on hand as a volunteer, and was happy to see Jackson inspiring the local kids. Barbee also pointed out that Jackson showed up to the Edison Battle at the Beach the previous weekend to cheer on Poly as the young Jackrabbits made a semifinal run before falling to Mater Dei in a single-possession game.

“DeSean Jackson is such a great representative of our team, and it means a lot to them to see him support them,” said Barbee.

“Long Beach Poly has a special place in my heart going back to 2001 as a young kid,” said Jackson. “I just want to motivate the guys and support them any way possible, Long Beach Poly is the home of the greats–I want them to know I see them and we’re all cheering for them.”

There’s been plenty for Poly fans to cheer about when it comes to Jackson. He’s often repped his high school more publicly than his college, sometimes saying “DeSean Jackson, Long Beach Poly” during television introductions instead of shouting out Cal, where he played NCAA ball. Jackson is back with the Eagles this season as he enters his 12th season in the NFL, a decorated career that’s seen him haul in 589 passes for over 10,000 yards, as well as three Pro Bowl honors. Jackson now stands at No. 45 all-time in the NFL in terms of receiving yards and is fifth in receiving yards by current players.

Barbee wasn’t the only local volunteer to work the camp with Jackson–the sidelines were stuffed with familiar faces including current Poly players and recent alums. Fellow Poly to the NFLers like Terrance Austin, Samie Parker, and Travon Patterson served as volunteers, as did Jackson’s speed trainer Gary Cablayan, who also works with John Ross.

Gayle Jackson, President and Co-Founder, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, stressed the importance of having this inaugural event in Long Beach in regards to her late husband’s legacy; and, Long Beach is where Bill’s vision for transitioning the youth in South Central L.A. beyond their borders through sports began.

We are privileged to have the resources, donors and community partners to provide a free camp for 350 youth, from extremely diverse segments of Los Angeles County. We are also honored to have a $1,500.00 grant from the NFL Foundation to help defray some of the costs of associated with the planning and execution of a monumental event of this magnitude.