Maynard was a trailblazer and Action Jackson is what they called him. He was not only the first African American to be elected Mayor of Atlanta, but the first black mayor of a major southern city. He built the world’s busiest airport, brought the 1996 Olympics to Atlanta, and laid the groundwork for the revitalization and redevelopment of Downtown and 20 of Atlanta’s other historic neighborhoods. He founded the Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation in 1992 to give Atlanta’s youth a place to grow and a place to learn to lead. He is survived by his beloved wife Valerie, and their five children who keep his legacy alive.
We’re building up the next generation of leaders through our two year leadership academy which focuses on critical thinking, entrepreneurship, communication, and more.
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Donations allows us to expand the program by helping our students with college preparatory courses, traveling abroad, completing workshops, and much more!
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Atlanta is part of the heartbeat of our organization, but our students and alumni span globally treading the path of leadership in various careers and school settings.
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Before MJYF, I didn’t really know exactly what I wanted to do or what I wanted to major in. I didn’t even think that college was for me. With MJYF, I got to go on college visits and meet with different college reps. After going through the MJYF program, I have now decided to go to college and I am extremely happy about that decision.
~ Payton Johnson
