We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emanuel Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emanuel below.

Hi Emanuel, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My mission is rooted in the belief that tomorrow’s leaders can shape a better future. I am driven by the awareness of the challenges we face, particularly regarding black minority children. Statistics reveal their lower high school graduation rates, increased likelihood of incarceration, and more involvement in violent activities. Understanding these deficiencies underscores the importance of equipping young individuals with the tools they need to succeed. Central to our mission is instilling in them a profound sense of self-worth.

We recognize the significance of teaching youths to value themselves, fostering resilience in the face of adversity. Moreover, we are acutely aware of the impact of setting goals and empowering them to achieve these aspirations. By providing guidance and support, we strive to create a safe environment where they can overcome the obstacles that may hinder their progress.

Our mission, therefore, revolves around nurturing the potential of these young minds, allowing them to thrive and develop into leaders who can make a positive impact on society. We are dedicated to building a foundation of knowledge, confidence, and compassion, ensuring that these future leaders are equipped with the skills necessary to overcome challenges and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The award-winning EJS Project, launched by local man Dupree Jackson due to his own experience with family drug use, systemic disadvantages, and injustice, is committed to creating opportunities for Delray’s at-risk youth. Named in honor of his father, Emanuel Jackson, Sr., the EJS Project “is dedicated to teaching the truth, challenging systems, and fighting for its youth’s access to opportunity” Jackson says.

I am deeply passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young individuals, particularly those facing challenges like black minority children. This drive stems from a personal connection and the memory of my late father, who inspired me to create EJS Project.

The journey into this industry began when I recognized the significant disparities faced by black minority kids, such as lower high school graduation rates, increased incarceration rates, and involvement in violent activities. Witnessing these issues firsthand, I was determined to take action and create a platform that would address these challenges directly.

EJS Project provides a range of products, services, and creative works centered around empowering and mentoring young individuals. We understand the importance of teaching self-worth, helping them set and achieve goals, and creating a safe space where they can heal from past hurts.

What sets EJS Project apart is our holistic approach to mentorship and education. We go beyond traditional methods by combining personal development, skill-building, and a focus on social and emotional well-being. By integrating these aspects, we aim to equip the next generation of leaders with the necessary tools to overcome obstacles and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

One aspect of our work that I am particularly proud of is the emphasis we place on instilling a sense of self-value in the youth we serve. By helping them recognize their unique worth, we empower them to overcome societal barriers and pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that EJS Project is dedicated to making a lasting difference. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, where every individual is valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to create a better future, one where all young people have equal opportunities to succeed.

Ultimately, EJS Project is a reflection of my personal journey, my dedication to honoring my late father’s legacy, and my unwavering belief in the transformative power of mentorship. Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow for the youth, empowering them to become the leaders our world needs.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What truly set me apart and helped me build my sterling reputation within the non-profit sector was the fusion of my personal journey and my unwavering commitment to leveraging my lived experience as a distinct advantage. As I delved into the realm of community organizing, I couldn’t help but notice the glaring absence of representation at decision-making tables. Those in positions of power rarely mirrored the individuals they served. Initially, I feared that my background would hinder my progress, but it was precisely my unique perspective that propelled me forward.

Recognizing the profound truth that those closest to the problem are often closest to the solutions, I realized the immense value of my first-hand understanding of the barriers faced by my community and our time-tested methods of overcoming them. Armed with this insight, I became an instrumental voice, consistently offering innovative alternatives to address the challenges we faced. Drawing upon the invaluable wisdom imparted by my father and other influential mentors throughout my life, I forged a reputation in this sector that resonates deeply.

Embodying the ethos of the EJS Project, we are widely known as “Bout Dat Action” pioneers who remain ever-prepared, eliminating the need to scramble when opportunity knocks. This empowering mantra serves as a constant reminder to our youth and followers that we champion access and opportunities daily, unwavering in our determination to seize every chance that comes our way. Today, our name evokes descriptors such as industrious, disciplined, resolute, dependable, focused, ambitious, exuberant, inspiring, unyielding, resilient, and deeply connected to the community we serve.

In a sea of voices, my unique blend of personal narrative, unwavering dedication, and the influence of remarkable mentors has set me apart, forging a reputation that shines brightly in the non-profit sector.

Any advice for managing a team?

My foremost advice for effectively managing a team and nurturing high morale revolves around embracing a powerful and compelling vision. As the founder of a non-profit organization, it is essential to have a “why” that is so significant it evokes a sense of both excitement and trepidation. This immense purpose serves as the driving force behind our success in this field. Engaging in social change work is far from easy, and there will be moments when we question if the effort is worthwhile. During such challenging times, it becomes crucial to remind ourselves of the underlying reasons that initially ignited our passion and the importance of realizing our mission.

This grand vision not only sustains our own motivation but also has the remarkable ability to attract and inspire others. When our purpose is crystal clear and we can articulate precisely the problem we are striving to solve, along with a well-defined strategy for addressing it, people from all walks of life become more inclined to align themselves with our cause. This includes the individuals we aim to serve, as well as volunteers, board members, donors, funders, and the broader community.

Another pivotal aspect of team management and morale maintenance is consistently celebrating victories, regardless of their magnitude. In the realm of community change work, progress unfolds as a journey, which makes it imperative to uplift and applaud one another at each milestone. Recognizing and appreciating the extra effort contributed by members of our organization, or their valuable contributions to solving complex problems, serves as a powerful countermeasure against moments when progress may seem stagnant. It is essential never to take for granted the dedicated individuals who lend their support to our mission.

Lastly, it is vital to comprehend and value the unique contributions that each person brings to the organization. As someone who grew up with limited resources, I firmly believe that I would not have achieved the milestones I have without the generosity of individuals who shared their time, talents, and resources. This recognition of the inherent worth of every team member allows us to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Embracing the belief that real change stems from collective effort reinforces the notion that those around us will consistently go above and beyond our expectations.

By emphasizing a powerful vision, celebrating wins, and valuing each individual’s contributions, we can cultivate a team that remains driven, inspired, and united in pursuing our organization’s mission. Effectively managing a team and maintaining high morale demands a unique blend of passion, appreciation, and a commitment to collective impact.      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ejsproject.org/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ejs_project?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/ejsproject
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emanueldupreejacksonjr/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ejsproject2984/featured