We recently had the chance to connect with Jason B. Allen and have shared our conversation below.
Jason B. , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now I am learning from the grandparents, caretakers and school aged children they are raising. As the Chairmen of the Board for Lillie’s Foundation, it’s important to me to learn the direct needs academically, socially and emotionally of this underserved populations of students and families in public schools.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I am Jason B. Allen, Atlanta resident and 20 year veteran educator. Professionally I serve as the National Director of Partnerships for the National Parents Union. I am a author of a book titled, Suits Swagg and Success. My local and state advocacy centers grandfamilies and kinship families as the Board of Chair of Lillie’s Foundation. Lillie’s Foundation supports grandparents and caretakers raising school aged children. Lillie’s is the brand I’m currently focusing on and elevating as we are celebrating 10 years of service.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
A lesson I learned from my great grandparents is that grace is the unspoken language of unconditional Love. Giving people grace helps prevent breaking bonds between people you Love, work or live in community. However, it’s not as easy as it seems. This is why the Lillie’s Foundation “On the Porch” blog gives ways we can be reminded of Love, joy, peace, kindness, patience and gentleness, all things needed when working to restore or rebuild relationships.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If there is one kind thing I would say to my younger self, it would be that kindness is a superpower. As a child, I would always hear people around me say that I care too much or I’m too sensitive to the needs of others. I now see that these are traits that we need in more people, especially those like myself called to be advocate for humanity.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that honoring our elders and teaching our children are things that really matter to me. Humanity and Love for humankind is something I not only teach but live out in my daily life.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
One thing I would say I understand deeply that most people don’t is unconditional Love. This is one of the most valuable lessons that I learned from my great grandparents. Being able to Love, forgive, be honest with, hold others accountable, to give grace, be kind and show patience towards others are invaluable characteristics that truly allow us to embrace all life has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lilliesfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilliesf4c/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-b-allen-94048665/
- Twitter: https://x.com/LilliesCARES
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilliesFoundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@educationalentities788
Image Credits
In these photos are Lillie’s Foundation Board Members, grandparents and caretakers from the the foundation i.e. Board Member Dr. Tony Burks and Board Chair, Jason B. Allen.
Jason B. Allen featured with his mentor Dr. Said L. Sewell, new President of Morris College and our mentees from our mentoring program (BMWI) that is 25 years old.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
