We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gerald Jefferson Jr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gerald below.
Hi Gerald , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Well sports help me find my purpose, because sports gives you life skills and I believe all kids should be involved with some type of sport, so I created the Men of Loyalty Youth Boxing Training Program so I can help youth experience boxing in a non contact way which teaches them the fundamentals of boxing and focuses on building the youth up to be a successful human beings with the ability to make good decisions in life. I know my purpose is to assist youth and be the best coach I can.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My focus is building up our youth and leaving a legacy for my children and future generations. The Men of Loyalty Youth Boxing Training Program was created to give youth an outlet a way to stay focused and a way from bad influence. I know how easy it is to lose focus as a child and be distracted by peers. I use boxing in a non contact way to give kids a fighting chance. The Executive Director of Men of Loyalty Youth Boxing Me’Shech Jefferson does confidence building activities with our youth, helping them learn how to not be afraid of who they are by letting their voices be heard. We engage in group discussion with our youth topics such as bullying, grades, positive parent child relationships. We also hold a monthly finance matters session to teach youth the basics of finance. We have take field trips and we have a summer landscape program to teach interested youth the basics of landscape. We’ve also taught youth on the spectrum. The program is so rewarding and we are needing the help of the community, investors, the city to help us help our youth by investing into this program, whether it be donating a building, funding, stopping by to see how they can help. Boxing builds confidence, decision making, stamina, builds muscle and muscle memory. It is very important that youth especially underprivileged youth have an outlet, have a support system, people who truly care about their future. You can look for our upcoming Men of Loyalty Youth Boxing magazine and support that which will allow the community to keep up with the program and know how they can support or volunteer.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I understand the power of a strong work ethic. You can’t be afraid of hard work. Also being creative, acting on your ideas and putting them in motion. If someone has a business idea, they would then have to sit down and start making a plan for that idea. Be on the side of being a creator and not waiting for something to come to you.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I have two people I’ve learned a lot from, my mom taught me at an early age how to never give up even if you’re at a disadvantage you have to fortify your mind to continue on. My wife has been an inspiration in my life, showing me patience and believing in me as a husband and father. My wife also showed me ways to become successful. I had and idea but she had the vision to create a reality of my idea.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.menofloyalty.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/menofloyaltyyouthboxing
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/menofloyalty
Image Credits
MG Productions/Men of Loyalty Youth Boxing Training Program, Inc.
