We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr.. Jeffery August. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Dr.. Jeffery, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I start my mornings focused on my book project, The Color of Winning, shaping chapters, polishing interviews, and digging into the history of West Brook’s 1982 Texas State Championship season. With a target release around December 2025, much of mybearly day energy goes into writing, editing, and organizing research notes so the story captures both the spirit of the team and the broader cultural impact.
After that creative push, I shift gears into my mentoring work. I dedicate time to researching the latest programs, tools, and activities in STEM education, making sure the J.L. August Bridge Builders Mentoring stays current and effective in inspiring young people from underrepresented communities. This often means reading about new trends, exploring hands-on learning projects, and finding ways to connect STEM to the real-life interests of your mentees.
In short: my days balance two missions—bringing The Color of Winning to life and investing in the future through mentoring and STEM engagement. Finally, I help mt 17 year old. Aniya August is emrolled in all AP classes at Brennan High School in San Antonio Texas. She has five 100 and one 98 average.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Jeffery Lawrence August, founder of the J.L. August Bridge Builders Foundation, President of the W.L.D. Johnson Foundation, and a first-time author. Through the W.L.D. Johnson Foundation, we’ve awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships over the last two years to high school seniors and undergraduate college students, opening doors for the next generation of leaders. My own foundation focuses on mentoring and exposing young people from underserved communities to opportunities in leadership and STEM.
I’m also working on my debut book, The Color of Winning (coming December 2025), which tells the story of the 1982 West Brook High School state championship team. But the book is about much more than football—it’s a story of racial integration, resilience, and how a community came together to achieve something historic.
At the core of my work—whether through writing, mentoring, or scholarships—is the belief that stories and opportunities can change lives.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
That’s powerful — and you’ve got two moments that really shaped your sense of power: one as a young athlete, one as a military leader. Here’s how you might express it in a way that flows for an interview or book passage:
My first real experience of feeling powerful came on the football field in 1982, when I realized I could dominate the player in front of me and contribute to my team being recognized as the best football team in Texas. That moment of strength, confidence, and unity set the tone for how I approached challenges in life.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds in my life was not knowing my biological father until I was 30 years old. That absence left a mark, but it also inspired me to step into the role of mentor—to be the kind of guide and support for others that I didn’t always have growing up.
Today, I’m facing another set of challenges as I fight kidney disease and sarcoidosis. It’s not an easy battle, but I refuse to let it hold me back. Instead, it fuels my purpose. Every day I push forward with my writing, my mentoring, and my foundations because I believe in leaving a legacy of strength, resilience, and opportunity for others.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The kids say I keep it real.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to say that I lived a life of service, that I poured into others, and that I used every gift I had to build bridges for the next generation. I want to be remembered not just for the positions I held or the things I accomplished, but for the lives I touched—through scholarships, mentoring, and the example of perseverance.
If people can tell the story of a man who faced challenges, from not knowing his father to fighting serious health battles, yet still chose to give, lead, and inspire, then I’ll know my life had meaning. More than anything, I want to be remembered as someone who showed others that they, too, could rise, succeed, and leave a legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jlabridgebuildersfoundation.com
- Facebook: Jlaugustbridgebuilders
Image Credits
Brother Bill Watson
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