MLK Health and Wellness Community Development Corporation Receives NFL Foundation Players’ Community Service Grant from Las Vegas Raiders’ DeSean Jackson

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Clarence and Jacqueline Avant, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Jacqueline Avant Memorial Fund, Las Vegas Raiders, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, MLK Behavioral Health Center, MLK Children & Family Well-Being Center, NFL Foundation Players' Community Service Grant

Los Angeles, CA – Post by: J. L. Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation

MLK Child & Family Well-Being Center, South Los Angeles (Watts)

PRESS RELEASE

MLK Health and Wellness Community Development Corporation, a non-profit, in the Watts/Willowbrook neighborhood of South Los Angeles, is the recipient of a prestigious NFL Foundation Players’ Community Service Match grant from NFL All Pro, DeSean Jackson, of the Las Vegas Raiders, whose professional career includes the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Football Team and Los Angeles Rams.

The grant was awarded through the Jacqueline Avant Memorial, benefitting the new MLK Children and Family Well-Being Center in Watts.

Mission Statement

The primary focus of the MLK Health and Wellness Community Development Corporation (“MLK-CDC”) is a revitalization of the MLK Medical Campus located in South Los Angeles in the Watts/Willowbrook neighborhood.  Los Angeles County owns 42 acres on the campus; it is the new site of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, the adjacent, former King-Drew/MACC hospital building, and a number of other underutilized structures. Working with the County Board of Supervisors, the MLK-CDC aims to transform the site into an “urban family-health campus.” The former hospital has been transformed into a state-of-the-art 500,000 square foot MLK Behavioral Health Center. It will be a national model for community-based comprehensive programs that address the interrelated and complex needs of those struggling with access to care for mental illness and substance use disorders and homelessness. The center will deliver cutting-edge treatment, rehabilitative, vocational, and training opportunities intended to provide the skills needed to reintegrate into the community.

In 2022, the MLK Pediatric HUB Clinic serving 4,000 children and teens in foster care will move into the first floor of the new three-story, 55,000 square foot building named the Jacqueline Avant Children and Family Center (formerly the MLK Child and Family Well-being Center) – located adjacent to the three trailers that currently house the clinic. The First-of-its-Kind Center located in South LA will provide enhanced outpatient clinical services for at-risk pediatric and adolescent patients and their families. The second floor will house an Autism Wellness Center.

MORE ABOUT THE JACQUELINE AVANT MEMORIAL FUND

Jacqueline and Clarence Avant

The family of the late Jacqueline Avant announced a memorial fund in her name. Donations can be made to the Jacqueline Avant Memorial Fund, benefitting the new MLK Children and Family Well-Being Center in the Watts/Willowbrook neighborhood of South Los Angeles. The Center is part of the MLK Health and Wellness Community Development Corporation (MLK-CDC), and gifts will help the continued growth of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital and the MLK Behavioral Health Center. 

Avant was “a stalwart supporter of children and the Watts-Willowbrook community,” previously even serving as President of Neighbors of Watts, a support group centered around childcare in South Los Angeles communities.

“As many have inquired, we have arranged the Jacqueline Avant Memorial Fund for the new MLK Children’s Center in Watts, as per Jacque’s wishes,” a statement released by the Avant family said. “More information and a donation section can be found on the MLK Health and Wellness Development Corporation website: mlk-cdc.org.”

Jacqueline Avant, the wife of producer Clarence Avant and Los Angeles philanthropist, was shot and killed in her Beverly Hills home on Dec. 1 at age 81.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/jacqueline-avant-profound-advocacy-1235056582/

MLK-CDEC has raised funds for renovations to trailers that currently house the MLK Pediatric Clinic HUB, which, according to the organization, serves approximately 5,000 Los Angeles children and teens in foster care each year. In 2022, the pediatric clinic will move into the first floor of the new three-story, 55,000 square foot MLK Child and Family Wellbeing Center. The Center will provide at-risk pediatric and adolescent patients and their families with improved outpatient clinical services, hoping to serve as a model for community-based programs addressing the needs of those struggling with care for mental illness, substance abuse and homelessness. The Autism Wellness Center will be located on the second floor. 

The MLK-CDC has also raised additional funds for new furniture, equipment, and personal needs such as clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, emergency food vouchers, and MTA cards. 

Donations can be made to the MLK Health and Wellness Development Corporation (a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization) for the Jacqueline Avant Memorial Fund for the new MLK Children’s Center in Watts, California. Donations are tax deductible (EIN #81-1255345). Checks Payable to: MLK Health and Wellness CDC, P.O. Box 811473, Los Angeles, CA 90081. To learn more or donate online, visit https://www.mlk-cdc.org/jacquie  

More About the NFL Foundation Players’ Community Match Grant Program

This grant is designed to provide nonprofit organizations with funding of up to $5,000 on behalf of a current or former NFL player who has donated financially to a nonprofit organization doing work to better the community . This grant allows NFL players and Legends to help support broad community efforts through the work of nonprofit organizations. Areas of support include, but are not limited to, Disease Prevention and Awareness, Mental Health, Youth Health & Fitness, Military Appreciation, Disaster Relief, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Character Education, Anti-Bullying, Animal Welfare, etc. In order to be eligible for match funding (1:1 match must be provided by the current or former NFL player applicant).

AIM 4 Your Heart receives NFL Foundation Players’ Community Service grant from Las Vegas Raiders’ DeSean Jackson

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DeSean Jackson, Leila Steinberg

Los Angeles, CA – Post by: J. L. Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation

Leila Steinberg

PRESS RELEASE

AIM 4 The Heart, a community-based, initiative, founded by the phenomenal, social justice advocate and music industry icon, Ms. Leila Steinberg, is the recipient of the prestigious NFL Foundation Players’ Community Service Match grant from NFL All Pro, DeSean Jackson, of the Las Vegas Raiders, whose professional career includes the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Football Team and Los Angeles Rams.

DeSean and his mother, Gayle Jackson, Co-Founders, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, state that they are honored and privileged to have this opportunity to use DeSean’s platform and the prestigious NFL and NFL Foundation platform to showcase the magnitude of the impact that Leila Steinberg has made in the areas of social justice, youth development, cultural enrichment and prison reform.

Gayle Jackson states that Leila Steinberg launched her “No More Tears” program at San Quentin, over 25 years, and engaged the NFL and some of its players in the programming within the prison over the years. Gayle recalls the many visits that DeSean made to the prisons with Leila over the years, no media or cameras, just dialogue, mutual understanding and respect. Gayle also recalls that in October 2013, while DeSean was a Philadelphia Eagle, the Boys Latin School School of Philadelphia reach out to my son in regards to the trauma the students were experiencing due to several deaths of students due to violence. DeSean contacted Ms. Steinberg. Leila immediately developed a three-day symposium on healing titled “Make Your Dream”; and, traveled to Philly to facilitate the program for the entire student population school administrators and parents. Ms. Steinberg is well-respected and highly-regard in all of her personal and professional endeavors.

MORE ABOUT AIM 4 YOUR HEART

Together, we are transforming hearts and minds utilizing the arts to develop emotional literacy!

HeART Sessions are not open mics; they are topic based workshops that implement the HeART Education curriculum developed by Leila Steinberg.  The Arts (language, performing and visual) are utilized as the primary means to develop emotional literacy. Emotional Literacy is defined as the the ability to understand emotions in self and others, the ability to empathize with the emotions, and the ability to express emotions productively.  AIM for the heART as an organization believes the by-product of emotional literacy and development improves the condition of one’s life–moving it from pain to promise, and from challenges to possibilities.  

All Artist Facilitators working under AIM for the heART have completed our heArt Education training. HeART Sessions are workshops that are easily adaptable to a variety of spaces including community centers, schools, juvenile halls, prisons, group homes, and recovery centers.  Hybrid workshops are also able to adapt to individual concerns of the facility into workshops through topics.

Music is Medicine Assemblies

We provide 60-90 minute assemblies for schools, juvenile halls, youth facilities and special events.  Assemblies are driven by an emotional literacy curriculum called heArt Education that acknowledges a number of the factors that impact an individual’s emotional health.  Each assembly engages youth participants through the use of keynote speakers and performing artists that are part of or affiliated with our organization that have been empowered to overcome adversity, gangs, violence, poverty, and pain through the use of their artistry.  Our assemblies are an introduction to the work we do as an organization and the heART Education curriculum and are easily adapted to both small and large group settings, schools, juvenile halls, youth facilities, conferences, and special events.

During the pandemic, our interactive Music is Medicine Assemblies are being offered digitally.

AIM/NO MORE TEARS SAN QUENTIN WORKSHOP

LEILA STEINBERG – AIM/NO MORE TEARS PROJECT – San Quentin

Community Collaboration & Showcase Performances

AIM 4 the HEART has collaborated in special events for Polytechnic High School’s PAAL Campus, Pico Youth & Family Center, Change the Tune, City of Long Beach, California African American Museum, USC, Long Beach Convention Center, Hopics Trauma Center, KPFK, KPRP and Homeland Cultural Center.

More About Leila Steinberg

Leila Steinberg (born December 18, 1961) is an American social justice advocate, entrepreneur, music manager, educator, writer, poet, and founder of AIM4TheHeART, a non-profit dedicated to helping at-risk youth find their voice using an emotional literacy curriculum and writing workshops. Leila is best known as the artist mentor and first manager for superstar rapper Tupac Shakur. They met when Tupac was a student in her writing workshop, The Microphone Sessions, in the Oakland Bay area. Today Leila manages the rapper Earl Sweatshirt, formerly of Odd Future.

In the 2017 Tupac biopic All Eyez On Me, Leila was played by actress Lauren Cohan. [NFL All Pro, DeSean Jackson was a major investor and Producer, of All Eyez On Me.]

Steinberg was born in Los Angeles, California. Her mother was an activist of Mexican-Turkish descent, and her father was a criminal defense lawyer of Polish Jewish descent.

During the late 1980s, Steinberg performed as a backup dancer and singer, touring with musicians O.J. Ekemode & The Nigerian Allstars. She also shared the stage with Santana, Bo Diddley, The Neville Brothers, The Spinners, Burning Spear and Jimmy Cliff. As a veteran music industry executive, she served as a marketer with Atlantic Records, Sony, Def Jam, Tommy Boy, Interscope, and Relativity.

While living in the San Francisco Bay Area, Steinberg held poetry classes in Oakland. Among her students was young Tupac Shakur. After he came to her poetry class in spring 1989, they hit it off. For a time he lived with her and her family, and read and wrote under her encouragement. She served as a mentor and manager until he needed more professional help. He signed with Atron Gregory in 1989.

Steinberg and Shakur further developed what they called The Microphone Sessions (TMS), a writing workshop that develops the spoken word, poetry, musical, hip-hop, pop and dance, jazz, rock n’ roll singing, and dramatic performances. Weekly gatherings are held worldwide, led by Steinberg-trained artist-educators.

Steinberg co-teaches a class on Race and the Law at University of Southern California Law School with the distinguished Professor Jody Armour. For more than 25 years, Leila has also taught her class to inmates at San Quentin, through the No More Tears program. One of her students, Curtis “Wall Street” Carroll, has become known as the “Oracle of San Quentin” because of his success in stock picks.

More About the NFL Foundation Players’ Community Match Grant Program

This grant is designed to provide nonprofit organizations with funding of up to $5,000 on behalf of a current or former NFL player who has donated financially to a nonprofit organization doing work to better the community . This grant allows NFL players and Legends to help support broad community efforts through the work of nonprofit organizations. Areas of support include, but are not limited to, Disease Prevention and Awareness, Mental Health, Youth Health & Fitness, Military Appreciation, Disaster Relief, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Character Education, Anti-Bullying, Animal Welfare, etc. In order to be eligible for match funding (1:1 match must be provided by the current or former NFL player applicant).

DeSean Jackson congratulates Rams on Super Bowl win: ‘Never had any hate in me’

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Cincinnati Bengals, Cooper Kupp, DeSean Jackson, LA Rams, Robert Woods, Super Bowl, Van Jefferson

Skyler Carlin 
February 14, 2022 7:12 am PT

Before the 2021 season began, DeSean Jackson signed with the Los Angeles Rams with one goal in mind: win a Super Bowl. However, with Jackson’s role in the offense being minimal, the veteran wideout elected to request a trade or release from the Rams, leading to him signing with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Despite Jackson’s departure from the team earlier in the season, he took to Twitter to congratulate the Rams on defeating the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Never Had Any Hate in Me!! Congrats, Rams. — DeSean Jackson

When Jackson requested his release from the Rams, it came as quite a surprise. Entering the season, it was hard to imagine Jackson having a crucial role with Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and Van Jefferson ahead of him on the depth chart.

Jackson’s role was to be a deep threat in an offense that now had an aggressive quarterback in Matthew Stafford. In seven games with the Rams, Jackson recorded only eight receptions, 221 yards, and one touchdown.

Even though his goal of winning a Super Bowl remained true, it was obvious that he felt like he could contribute more elsewhere. That being said, he didn’t have much of a role with the Raiders either as he finished with 12 receptions for 233 yards and a touchdown in nine games.

At the least, with Jackson leaving for the Raiders, it led the Rams to sign Odell Beckham Jr. Los Angeles could have pursued Beckham regardless of Jackson’s status with the team, but his departure definitely made it more likely to happen.

Considering he was on the roster to begin the season, Jackson will likely receive a Super Bowl ring from the Rams. So even with Jackson leaving the team at an awkward time, he made it clear that he has no hate towards the Rams.

Repost by: J. Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation, 2/18/2022

Matthew Stafford, DeSean Jackson make Rams’ day complete

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Aaron Donald, Bryce Perkins, Cam Akers, Cooper Kupp, Dallas Cowboys, DeSean Jackson, Jake Funk, LA Rams, LA Rams and Dallas Cowboys Scrimmage, Matthew Stafford, Robert Woods, Sean McVay, Tyler Highbee, Xavier Jones

DeSean Jackson, of LA Rams, looks up for a pass from QB Matthew Stafford during Saturday’s scrimmage with the Dallas Cowboys

By KEVIN MODESTI | kmodesti@scng.com | Los Angeles Daily News, PUBLISHED: August 7, 2021 at 9:35 p.m. | UPDATED: August 8, 2021 at 2:18 a.m., Repost by: J. Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation , August 8, 2021, 7:14 a.m.

OXNARD — The first two passes were too long. The next one was too short and was broken up. Finally, on the last attempt at a deep throw from Matthew Stafford to DeSean Jackson, the Rams’ star off-season additions got it just right.

Stafford’s high-arching completion to DeSean Jackson, who’d out-sprinted defensive backs Trevon Diggs and Donovan Wilson up the right sideline, was a highlight of the Rams’ scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday.

Given how much the Rams are depending on the new quarterback’s arm and the new wide receiver’s speed to loosen up defenses, it must have been a relief to see a deep ball actually connect in something like game conditions.

“It was good to see,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “That was an unbelievable throw (by Stafford) across his body. We want to be efficient and explosive, and that was a great example of creating explosives.

The scrimmage in front of bleachers full of mostly Cowboys fans at Dallas’ training site was the Rams’ first chance to go against another team since camp opened July 28.

As often happens in a format where players starved for competition must tread a line between tackling (prohibited) and delivering “pro thuds” (encouaged), there were scuffles, one involving Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

But there was enough real work to occupy two practice fields.

McVay spent most of his time on the field where the Rams’ offense and Cowboys’ defense squared off in scripted situations.

Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay during a scrimmage against the Cowboys Saturday in Oxnard.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

A few things stood out.

With questions to answer in the backfield after Cam Akers’ Achilles injury, Darrell Henderson took most of the handoffs, followed by seventh-round draft pick Jake Funk and second-year running back Xavier Jones.

McVay noted that Henderson broke a run around right end and Funk got loose in a red-zone series.

“We’ll continue to evaluate,” the coach said.

It was natural to watch how Stafford worked with his receivers.

Because McVay doesn’t play starters in preseason games, Saturday’s scrimmage and two upcoming against the Raiders will be the only chances to see the new quarterback in anything close to a game before the Sept. 12 regular-season opener against the Bears at SoFi Stadium.

By unofficial count, Stafford completed 24 of 33 passes, and had one intercepted, in the drills against the Cowboys. Second-year Ram Bryce Perkins went 6 for 6, and ex-Steelers backup Duck Hodges went 7 for 9. John Wolford is out 10-14 days after having his appendix removed Friday.

Kupp caught the most passes from Stafford, and wide receiver Robert Woods and tight end Tyler Higbee caught a handful.

Stafford and Jackson missed more than they hit. But all of those passes were downfield. It only took one completion to reassure Rams onlookers.

Kupp was happy to see it, being one of the short-ball receivers who hope to have more room to operate because Jackson stretches defenses.

“You can see the feel they have for each other, and just the ability for DeSean to track the ball like he has, and Matthew getting the ball up there and putting air under it and letting guys run underneath it,” Kupp said.

“We love having DeSean Jackson out here.”

Football fans look on as the Cowboys host the Rams for a scrimmage Saturday in Oxnard.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

DeSean Jackson Foundation: 2021 FAST Camp – Final Photos

Tags

Byron Jackson, DeSean and Gayle Jackson, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson FAST Camp, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Gary Cablayan, Los Angeles Rams, NFL Foundation, Team Jackson, Travis Clark

Photo Credits: NIL Media, Post by: DeSean Jackson Foundation

2021 DeSean Jackson Foundation FAST Camp – California Lutheran University, Stadium

Coach Travis Clark, Lawndale High School, Football Coach, Team Jackson

Coach Gary Cablayan, CEO, Evo Sports Training, Team Jackson

Coach Irving Booker, Team Jackson, and FAST Camp logistics coordinator

Byron Jackson, DeSean Jackson and Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation

Shock Doctor Back Packs and mouth guards, LA Rams lanyards, recyclable bags and DeSean’s camp tee shirts for all.

Thanks Cane’s Across America for providing your famous Cane’s chicken fingers for our camp.

Thank you HAPPY ICE for providing cool treats!

Coach Gary demonstrates how other lucrative career paths are available in the sports industry.

Coach Gary really impressed and empowered the young student-athletes at the Fast Camp.

DeSean Jackson Foundation: Photos – Parents’ University Forum at 2021 FAST Camp

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California Lutheran University, DeSean and Gayle Jackson, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson FAST Camps, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Gayle Jackson, LA Rams, NFL Foundation

Photo Credits: Team NIL Media

Note: Due to Corona Virus concerns, the 12th Annual DeSean Jackson Foundation FAST Camp was a 2-day event this year with a limited capacity of 200 youth, their coaches, families and media. The event was held at California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, California.

Photos from: July 23, 2021 – Registration, Meet and Greet with DeSean Jackson and the Parent University Forum & Q&A Session

DeSean and Gayle Jackson at Meet & Greet.

Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation

Event Venue: California Lutheran University, William Rolland Stadium, 3256 Luther Avenue, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

More About the venue:

William Rolland Stadium

Home to Kingsmen Football, Kingsmen and Regals Soccer

William Rolland Stadium and Gallery of Fine Art is the newest addition to the athletics complex on north campus. The two-story stadium, completed in fall 2011, has 2,000 fixed seats, an artificial turf field and outdoor sports lighting for football, soccer and intramural matches. The two-story stadium, which is designed to meet NCAA standards, will has approximately 2,000 fixed seats in the bleacher structure, a permanent artificial turf field and outdoor sports lighting. The facility will include an art gallery, coaches offices, locker rooms, meeting rooms and treatment/taping facilities. Approximately 460 overflow parking spaces will be added to accommodate additional guests at the new facility.

Named for the generous lead donor William Rolland, the stadium is located on the north side of Olsen Road, west of the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center. Included in the 16,000-square-foot facility is the William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art, which houses pieces of bronze statuary, paintings and other items from Bill Rolland’s collection.

Long Beach Poly Alum DeSean Jackson Donates Cleats, Shopping Spree To Alma Mater

Tags

DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Long Beach Poly Tech, Los Angeles Rams, Poly Jackrabbits, The 562.org

DeSean Jackson, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver and Long Beach Poly alum

August 2, 2021 – Mike Guardabascio

Long Beach Poly alum DeSean Jackson is heading into his 14th season in the NFL, but he still hasn’t forgotten where he came from. Jackson, set to debut this year with the Los Angeles Rams, paid a visit to his alma mater last week, where he surprised the team with brand new cleats for every player. 

While the players were still celebrating getting the cleats, Jackson revealed that they were also all about to head to a Champs Sporting Goods store in South Gate, where they were treated to a shopping spree as well.

“For me, it’s bigger than the gifts,” said Jackson. “It’s more motivation, to motivate the youth. This stuff is just the icing on the cake. For me, I like to be personally involved. I’ve been where these kids are and I know the sky is the limit. If you can take care of business at Poly you’re going to college for free. That’s the inspiration I’m trying to make sure that they have.”

DeSean Jackson donated cleats and a motivational speech during his “pop up” with the Poly Jackrabbits

Jackson gave a speech to the football team as well, highlighting the necessity of staying focused in the classroom as well as on the field, and also underlining that there’s an expectation of greatness that comes with playing at Poly.

“When you’re on this field you have to be at a different level,” he said. “People in the NFL know about you. People in college know about you.”

Poly coach Stephen Barbee said that after an emotional 12 months, it was nice for his team to get a visit from DeSean Jackson as they’re preparing for the 2021 football season. 

“This is a really nice reward for them, and it says a lot about DeSean that he’s out here to give back to them while he’s getting ready for his own NFL season,” he said.

Jackson has remained a presence around the Poly football program, despite a career that has primarily had him on the East Coast with the Eagles, Buccaneers and Washington Football Team. Despite that, he usually was on the sidelines for Poly football games on the Friday night of his bye week, and would often give a speech before a game or at halftime. He’s also hosted DeSean Jackson Foundation FAST Camps in Southern California, including one in Thousand Oaks last weekend.

“It means a lot to all of us because we don’t get to see NFL players, this is my first time seeing an NFL player here interacting with us,” said Poly lineman Tyson Ruffins. “It’s really great that he did this, we really appreciate it.”

Jackson said he has high hopes for the Rams’ season this year, with quarterback Matt Stafford and a strong roster that he hopes will allow him to continue his record-setting career. Jackson is already the all-time Long Beach leader in professional touchdowns after passing Gene Washington, and is one of the longest-tenured NFL players to ever come out of the Moore League.

He said he’s hopeful that while the kids were wearing their new cleats they’d think about his journey, and how he used the sport to better his life. “At Poly you’re in the midst of gangs and drugs off the campus,” he said. “I remember we’d see things during practice just over there on the other side of the fence that were crazy. But that’s what you use the field for–you use it as an escape. That’s what it was for me, it was a getaway. Let me block all the noise out and just focus, and take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to just be with your friends and work.”

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DESEAN JACKSON DONATES CLEATS AND SHOPPING SPREE TO LONG BEACH POLY TECH JACKRABBITS

Tags

Coach Stephen Barbee, DeSean and Gayle Jackson, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Long Beach Poly Tech, Los Angeles Rams, Poly Jackrabbits

Post by: Joie Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation, 7/29/2021

Prior to reporting to the 2021 Los Angeles Rams’ training camp, NFL All-Pro, wide receiver, and Long Beach Poly alum, DeSean Jackson, stopped by Poly Tech to commend Coach Stephen Barbee for 28 years of impacting the lives of his Poly teams; and, to surprise the football team with cleats and a shopping spree to Champs.

Desean states that he most definitely had to check on the Poly Jackrabbits before he reported to the LA Rams’ training camp for this his 14th year, in the NFL. He often “rolled up” on the Jackrabbits unannounced over the years to inspire, motivate and the Jackrabbits. It is important for them to know he has a vested interest in their team and individual successes. “I made it out and I want them to make it out”, he says.

Several starters of the Poly Jackrabbits lost fathers, mothers, grandparents or friends before the season started; all of their lives were disrupted financially, academically and psychologically due to the Corona-Virus and, many of their families are unfamiliar or confused about the impact the California, Fair Play to Pay Act, will have on eradicating generational poverty, developing economic parity and strengthening families.

“Knowledge is Power”, states DeSean, ” I had Bill and Gayle Jackson educating themselves on the system, protecting me and helping me. I want to instill the importance and value of education as a tool for them to be the architects of their own destiny. I want them to maximize their potential to control and be successful in all aspects of their lives”.

Therefore, it was imperative for DeSean to “pop up” on the Poly Jackrabbits before he reported to LA Rams’ training camp.

DeSean Jackson, of the LA Rams, donates cleats to his alma mater, Long Beach Poly Tech, Jack Rabbits’ football team.

DeSean Jackson, of the LA Rams, surprised the Long Beach Poly Tech football team prior to reporting to LA Rams’ camp.

DeSean Jackson, of the LA Rams, took the Long Beach Poly Tech football team on a shopping spree to Champs.

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Media and Photo Credits:

Permission granted by ABC7/KABC,, “In the Community”, Laurie A. Bossi

Stephen S. Barbee, Head Coach, Long Beach, Poly Tech

Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation

DeSean Jackson looks to continue community impact in his hometown

Tags

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

Helping kids is a team effort for NFL stars Willie McGinest, DeSean Jackson, Marcedes Lewis and Jayon Brown who donate $50k to Long Beach Youth

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DeSean Jackson, Green Bay Packers, Jayon Brown, Long Beach, Marcedes Lewis, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennesse Titans, Willie McGinest

Press Release

Long Beach, CA

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.

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Reposted with permission by: Joie Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation.