Inspiring Conversations with David L. Jackson of Project T.H.U.G (Transforming Hope and Unifying Generations)

Today we’d like to introduce you to David L. Jackson

Hi David, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory
Both Rashard and I are proud products of The intercity of Miami Dade County. With similar roots in the origin stories of our parents – being born into a circumstance in which we had no choice but to turn into motivation. Rashard with a father who is incarcerated quickly knew he had to find a way to “make it out,” to be an example to his six other brothers and sisters. And myself born into a low-income Jamaican family where my mother takes care of my disabled father. As early as the 6th grade Rashard and I have leaned on academics and school to be our escape – our way to make right the things we know were wrong. Shard, stayed on the straight and narrow while I began to stray away from the academic arena because I started to believe school might not be for me. But it was the support of Rashard that brought me back into the place I was almost certain I needed to leave. Shard and I both were in for a very rude awakening when we left Miami for the first time to attend school in places, we had not yet been familiar with. I was selected to be a Posse scholar and attend Syracuse University while Shard obtained the Jim Moran scholarship and went off to Florida State University. We were both extremely shocked when we realized we might not have been the best prepared to compete on either of these campuses. However, our grit, and will to make out home situation kept both of us in the fight. Throughout our time separate from each other for the first time, we began to discuss ways we together could make our community better.

Especially for young black boys who look exactly like us. While away I spent some time studying aboard in Paris where I grew fond of African American Lithure and School Systems and decided I needed to move back to Miami to start my journey. Rashard decided he would further his education at LSU. Upon returning home I worked as a School teacher at our beloved alma mater and as a Juvenile Youth Facilitator – where I realized the classroom was in part to blame for the destruction of black boys in Dade. As I grew in both those roles Shard neared his journey in LSU obtaining a Masters in Higher Education and too made the firm decision to come back home. Together we brainstormed for a year and created Project T.H.U.G (transforming hope and Unifying Generations).

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If the road were smooth – then we might be in the wrong business! In the process of creating Project T.H.U.G., our biggest obstacle has probably been the business side of the organization. To have a vision and a very clear mission is one thing – but to ensure you have the internal structure that speaks suitability is another. However, there is power in reaching out and seeking clarity for that of which we don’t know. We’ve grown so much internally we know for sure – PT in a matter of time will be a household item for young Black Men across the board.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Project T.H.U.G (Transforming Hope and Unifying Generations)?
What we do is extremely unique and grassroots oriented – meeting the young men that we serve in the margin. Project T.H.U.G. (Transforming Hope and Unifying Generations) targets adolescent Black males in their Junior Year of High School and Senior Year of Middle School (Two very vital years in their academic and personal journeys). Fellows who enter the program will participate in an eight month intensive program – capped with a service program to graduate. The program promotes both aspects in which often do not intersect. We focus on higher education and vocation through a rather holistic approach – and the most hands-on way possible. Workshops! The fellowship focuses on what it looks like to create a well-rounded young man of valor cycling through an intensive curriculum where each month brings a new topic to explore. Our motto here at Project T.H.U.G. is, “The Future I Create…” Because we believe that the path of our fellows is dedicated by no one other them themselves-putting self-determination and self-affirmation to the forefront of everything we do. The idea is to plant seeds early on in hopes that they will one-day blossom and bear fruit in which our community will be able to harvest. Ultimately, the investment is long term – but one that will create a cycle of young men coming back to cultivate their communities. It is our vision to develop well equipped young black men to serve as beacons of integrity, character, service, uplift, and leadership.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Mentorship, is the life blood of our internal workings – the individuals who we lean on are all people who have shown us their heart. Working with students is very simple to ministry work – it’s healing and “whole-ing,” and it must be something you’re terminally passionate about if you want to make change. When looking for a mentor in this line we searched for those who shared the same fuel as us. Individuals who have not only “talked the talk,” but have “walked,” it was well. I would assume the search for all mentorship or networking should work in a similar fashion. Genuine connections – with a genuine attempt to help and make large the experience of others.

Contact Info:

• Email: projectthug305@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.projectthug305.org/mission-2
• Instagram: projectthug305
• Facebook: David l. Jackson

Image Credits:
Greg Clark
Christian Mendez
Siri Larkins