We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael A Jordan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

In 2004, the tragic and senseless murder of Bernard “Buddy” Jordan in Bridgeport, CT, sparked an outpouring of grief and unity within the community. To honor his memory, annual gatherings began at Newfield Park in Bridgeport, celebrating his life and fostering a sense of togetherness. Over time, these events evolved into a nonprofit organization, The Buddy Jordan Foundation, dedicated to making a difference. Now, 21 years later, the organization works within the school system during afterschool hours, offering mentoring programs, yoga meditation sessions, and violence interruption initiatives to support and uplift the community. This mission is a testament to the enduring impact of Buddy Jordan’s legacy.

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

The Buddy Jordan Foundation is committed to addressing one of the most pressing issues in our community: violence interruption. This foundation was born out of the tragedy of gun violence, following the heartbreaking loss that inspired its creation. We operate with the belief that providing resources and opportunities to the community can significantly reduce the likelihood of repeating the senseless acts of violence that began our grieving process and, unfortunately, occur far too often. By fostering connection, education, and proactive intervention, we aim to create a safer and more hopeful future for all.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life came when I suffered a back injury that ultimately forced me into early retirement. While I knew I was slowing down, I didn’t expect retirement to come when it did. I underwent extensive and exhausting rehabilitation efforts to return to my normal duties, but we couldn’t overcome the hurdle. So, I pivoted. I shifted my focus from my career to creating opportunities through the family foundation. Although I wasn’t ready to retire, this change gave me the runway to pursue work that truly fulfills me. Ultimately, I’m happiest when I’m able to gather with friends and family, network, and build community. This is exactly what we do through the foundation, and it brings me more joy than I ever experienced before retirement.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Consistency has always been the key to building our following on social media. It’s about continuously spreading awareness of who we are, what we offer, when we’re available, and what’s next for us. By capturing meaningful moments and regularly sharing them, we’ve worked to build connections, engage our audience, and foster growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.buddyjordanfoundation.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddyjordanfoundation/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buddyjordanfoundation/