Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a six-time Olympic medalist, is not just a sports icon; she is a beacon of hope for the youth of East St. Louis through her JJK Foundation. Her initiative, known as the “Winning in Life” curriculum, is designed to empower young people, proving that success can be achieved right in their own community.
From humble beginnings to Olympic glory
Growing up in East St. Louis during the 1970s, Joyner-Kersee faced numerous challenges. However, it was the local Mary Brown Center that became her sanctuary, where she discovered her talents in cheerleading and track and field. “Being surrounded by people who believed in me and saw the potential that I did not know that I had … it evolved, and turned into opportunities,” she recalls. This nurturing environment instilled in her the values of hard work and the importance of giving back to the community.
Her journey took her to UCLA on a basketball scholarship, but adversity struck when she was diagnosed with asthma and lost her mother unexpectedly. In search of support, she returned to the Mary Brown Center, only to find it closed. This pivotal moment sparked her desire to reopen the center, ensuring that future generations would have a place to grow and thrive.
Establishing the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation
After winning two gold medals in the long jump and heptathlon at the 1988 Olympics, Joyner-Kersee founded the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation. One of her first acts was to charter a plane to fly 110 children from East St. Louis to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, showcasing her commitment to uplifting her community.
Joyner-Kersee chose to remain in St. Louis to run the foundation herself, emphasizing the importance of being a visible role model for the youth. “It was very important that our young people see me in person… I have walked the same pavement,” she explains. The foundation’s programs are built around her “Winning in Life” curriculum, which focuses on 14 principles, including risk-taking, confidence, dedication, and wellness.
Impacting lives through education and athletics
The JJK Foundation has made significant strides in the community, expanding its reach from serving 3,000 families annually to 10,000 in just five years. Given the economic struggles of East St. Louis, where 31 percent of residents live in poverty, the foundation offers its programs at reduced rates. For just $50 a year, families can enroll their children in the daily after-school program, which provides activities, hot meals, and transportation for students aged 6 to 18.
The JJK Summer Camp, an eight-week program for children aged 4 to 18, includes sports activities, gardening, academic enrichment, and field trips, all for a modest fee of $200 for the summer. While the foundation receives some government grants, it is primarily funded through donations and events like the annual Sequins, Suits & Sneakers gala, where Joyner-Kersee matches all funds raised up to $7,291, honoring her record-setting Olympic score.
Looking to the future
Joyner-Kersee is passionate about expanding the foundation’s offerings and is already collaborating with partners in cities like Gary, Ind., and South Gate, Calif. She envisions taking the “Winning in Life” program international, further spreading her message of empowerment.
In a city often overlooked, Joyner-Kersee is rewriting the narrative of what is possible for its residents, especially the youth. “We’re letting them know that the impossible is probable,” she asserts. Her work is a testament to the belief that our environment should not define us; rather, we define our environment. Through her foundation, Joyner-Kersee is inspiring a new generation to take control of their stories and futures.
