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Greg Jackson

Greg Jackson

Community Development

Neighborhood:

Brownsville

Known as "Jocko" to his many friends, Greg is a community institution in Brownsville: the neighborhood's most avid champion, and its residents' most loyal and passionate advocate.

About This Do Gooder:

Greg Jackson is the unofficial "Mayor of Brownsville," the ambassador of optimism, the resident historian, and the go-to person for positive change in the neighborhood. His leadership roles at the Brownsville Recreation Center and at Common Ground's Brownsville Partnership, are only the most formal means by which he continually promotes a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous community. Jocko is the founder of "Old Timers," an annual celebration of Brownsville that has grown to a multi-week long event that brings together thousands in the spirit of community. Jocko never stops working on behalf of his fellow neighbors, who know they can reach out to him for help any time of the night or day, and he will do whatever it takes to find a solution to the problem at hand.

Community Impact:

Greg Jackson grew up in and raised a family of nine children in Brownsville, where he now is helping to rear his grandchildren, as well as the many young people in the neighborhood he has "adopted." In 1997, he became the Director of the Brownsville Recreation Center (BRC), transforming a neglected Parks and Recreation site into a thriving community center serving residents of every age and background. The BRC has been recognized time and again as among the City's best and highest performing recreation centers. At the Brownsville Partnership, Jocko connects a wide array of community stakeholders, parents, teachers, school administrators, elected officials, police officers and public housing staff in support of Common Ground's efforts to enhance public security, stabilize struggling families, and increase educational and economic opportunities. On a person-to-person level, Jocko routinely mentors young people and problem solves for families, seniors and others facing adversity.