The story of Jackie Joyner-Kersee isn’t just one of sporting excellence at the highest level, but also one of selfless acts and giving back after making it to the top. To have a legacy endure is one thing, but to have a legacy thrive and grow…JJK is built different. This year, through our HBE initiative, adidas met Jackie and her Foundation staff in East St. Louis to donate, dedicate a mural, and give flowers where they belong.
7,291 — the most points in a heptathlon event held by a female athlete to this day; four World Championship medals; a five-time top American Athlete of the Year; three-time Track & Field World Athlete of the Year; and two-time Jesse Owens Award winner, all in the span of 16 years. This is only the beginning of Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s legacy. Through the JJK Foundation Jackie empowers her community of East St. Louis, IL everyday, by raising resources and creating opportunities for all.
This June 11th we traveled to the JJK Foundation center in East St. Louis to donate $65,000 towards community programs, dedicate a mural honoring Jackie’s legacy, and celebrate all those in attendance with flowers for their selfless work.
At 18 years old Jackie came back home from Los Angeles, wanting to go somewhere where her spirits could be embraced and uplifted. “I knew I could go back to the Mary Brown Center and find that kind of environment. [But] when I went over to the center it had padlocks on the door.” With the closing of Jackie’s neighborhood safe-haven she wondered, “Where will the young people go?” – this was the true beginning of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation.
The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation has been serving the East St. Louis, IL community since 1996, as an epicenter for free-access high-quality after-school education programs, and top-tier sports and enrichment programs. With the primary focus being on youth, kids are also provided door-to-door transportation, assistance with homework, snacks, weekends meals, and more.
We are here to change [the] lives of underserved children in East St. Louis, and in communities across the US.
Through her acclaimed Jackie Joyner-Kersee Winning In Life curriculum®, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation looks to help thousands of more children with invaluable character, leadership, social, emotional and spiritual skills for success.
For me it’s always been about hard work and commitment, having a dream, seeing it through, but coming back. Coming back and trying to teach others what I had learned…where people can see me, touch me, and talk to me.
– Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Jackie isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and adidas is following that lead. Please join us in honoring Jackie Joyner-Kersee and the JJK Foundation as true examples of Black Excellence by learning more, giving flowers, and getting involved.
Follow HBE events and learn more about our upcoming 2021 honorees at adidas.com/HBE