Detroit – While in college studying to become an engineer, Chuck Jackson was watching television. The national news came on and it showed scenes of people who were peacefully demonstrating for “human right” down south. Then it showed police with dogs and water hoses attacking these people. It shocked him.
He fell to the floor and began crying, he says for at least 30 minutes. He was hurt and ashamed at the same time. Once he got off the floor he realized that he had another calling in life. He stayed through school for the end of that semester. Then he dropped out. He had a series of odd jobs and really began looking into himself. He knew he was gifted with some skill and talents. But he decided he had to give more to others.
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If folks could demonstrate and be beaten for standing up for what they believe, surely, there were some things he could do to better the life of others. He returned to school and changed his major to sociology. When he graduated he came to Detroit and applied for a job with Starr Commonwealth, an agency that services children who need new directions and some love.
He was hired and assigned to a residence center on Joy road in Detroit. He spent all day and all night at this place dealing with youth who were troubled, who had been abused, some had been homeless. Some had just been kicked around by life.
That was 25 years ago. He is now Executive Vice President of Starr Commonwealth. He is the highest ranking African American. He has a staff of over 35 folks. Youth are in and out all day for counseling, tutoring, mentoring and motivation. He would not trade this job for a million dollars.
He found his purpose in life, helping youth who need to be touched. Chuck Jackson in a Everyday Hero , who makes a difference.