How Jaren Jackson Jr. is embodying Martin Luther King Jr.'s service values in Memphis

Jaren Jackson’s introduction to the importance of civil rights history and service work came long before he was ever swatting shots for the Memphis Grizzlies.

When Jackson was 5 years of age, his family moved to a Maryland neighborhood. The home sat on 10 acres, and behind the backyard was a historical area that served as part of the passageway for The Underground Railroad during slavery.

It was during Jackson’s childhood that his family participated in a community project, where they picked up trash along the historical trail.

“When we watched the movie 'Harriett,' we’re watching it and we’re seeing her navigate and move millions of enslaved people to freedom, running through what must have been that backyard area,” Terri Carmichael Jackson, Jaren’s mother told The Commercial Appeal. “It’s very moving for us to watch that, because we know that part of Maryland.”

Today, Jackson is in his sixth season with the Grizzlies, preparing to play in his fifth Martin Luther King Jr. Day game. This year's edition will come against the Golden State Warriors.

A big part of the MLK Day game experience is remembering the teachings of King. One of King’s primary principles and points of emphasis was his commitment to service.

“You don’t have to have a college degree to serve,” King said on Feb. 4, 1968. during his “the drum major instinct” sermon. “You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

From Jackson's childhood to his time with the Grizzlies, service is an area in which Jackson has stood out. He was named a finalist last season for the NBA’s Social Justice Champion Award, and he’s won the NBA Cares Community Assist Award.

“There’s like the team events, and then there’s stuff I do,” Jackson said. “It’s all good stuff because at any point you get a chance to make a difference, that’s great. . . . It’s way beyond sports.”

Jackson’s commitment to the Memphis community in his six years has left an impact on those with whom he has worked. People around the Grizzlies are amazed at the ease with which he works around kids at team events. Season ticket holders and long-time Grizzlies fans speak highly of Jackson’s ability to intentionally connect.

That, according to Jackson, is another trait that traces back to his childhood days. He recalls times when his mother would put him in uncomfortable scenarios. When the Jackson family would sometimes go to events around adults, Jackson’s mother would often put her son in situations where he had to speak up for himself.

The idea was to expose Jackson to situations that would help develop him. As a result, he has become known as one of the most outgoing players on the team, and that energy carries over to his community work.

“He’s got the most unbelievable heart, but JJ also knows how to use that heart according to action but also use his voice to inspire others,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said.

“He’s just got that personality,” Jenkins added. “He’s got the mind for it. He’s got the capacity for it. It’s an inspiration, someone so young that wants to really put forward the effort, the energy, the example for future generations to make a difference as well.”

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Last Thursday, Grizzlies players visited Historic Clayborn Temple before hosting a day of service at FedExForum. For a team as young as the Grizzlies, these historical trips are good educational opportunities.

Jackson is only 24, but he has become the veteran. After living in Memphis for more than six years, he says he’s “engulfed” in Memphis history.

Jackson has put that history to action by embodying some of King's core principles and using his childhood experience to connect with the city of Memphis.

“It’s not that he’s good at it; It’s naturally who he is,” Carmichael Jackson said. “He understands that there’s an expectation that you give back.”

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Jaren Jackson Jr. is connecting with Memphis through MLK's values