Back to School With History Maker Eddie Jenkins Jr.
By: Ms. Aishah
On Friday, September 30th, Fletcher Maynard Academy celebrated “Back to School with the HistoryMakers.” Students in grades 3 through 5 welcomed local history maker Eddie Jenkins, Jr. to our school. Students anxiously waited for this day and were eager to meet Jenkins after learning about his life throughout the week. Jenkins was awarded this title by the Chicago based organization, HistoryMakers.
HistoryMakers held its 7th annual back to school event with over 200 schools participating across the United States. According to HistoryMakers, this is an “annual program that puts black leaders in direct contact with young people all across the nation to tell their stories and to encourage students to excellence.”
Currently, Jenkins is an attorney and instructor at Suffolk Law School. He is also a former NFL player, beginning with the Miami Dolphins and finishing his football career with the New England Patriots.
Two 5th grade representatives who served as our event’s host and hostess greeted Jenkins on his arrival. Students Michael B. and Edlawit Z. took our guest for a tour of the school and were able to assist him with questions about their 5th grade learning and activities. After students gathered in the gym, a slide presentation was shown, sharing “his story” with photos of himself with family and well-known public figures. He expressed to our students that dreams could come true with hard work, a good attitude, determination, and perseverance. Furthermore, he challenged our students to imagine the steps they will need to take to fulfill their dreams. Our program concluded with recitation of the HistoryMakers pledge to education and excellence. Later, Jenkins joined principal Robin Harris with some FMA staff and students for a small meet and greet in our school library.
Jenkins’ visit to Fletcher Maynard Academy was a powerful experience for both students and staff. Our students were excited to have Eddie Jenkins, Jr. as a guest and inspired by his achievements. As a result, they left contemplating how their own life journey would be.