Pasadena and Altadena Ready for Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship and Basketball Classic

Final preparations are in full swing as Pasadena gets ready to host the anticipated 10th annual Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship and Basketball Classic all-day on Saturday, May 4th.

Held at John Muir High School’s Basketball Gym, the classic is poised to attract a diverse array of community members, including leaders, families, athletes, and volunteers, for a day dedicated to celebrating Brandon’s life while championing education, unity, and mentorship among the youth.

Brandon Jackson, a John Muir student and recipient of the prestigious Mustangs Achievement Award for his academic and athletic prowess, was gunned down in the streets of Altadena on February 12, 2011, after coming out of a typical teenage gathering among high school friends.

Jackson’s untimely passing reverberated profoundly throughout his community. At his funeral, there was a groundswell of commitment among classmates and community members to stop the cascading effects of violence. “Stepping Into the Light” was formed as an outreach program to support students who choose life over a culture of death.

Eventually, his AAU Basketball Coach David Williams embarked on a mission beyond grief and organized the annual Basketball Classic and the Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship and Basketball Classic on May 4 transcends mere sports and has been a commemoration of resilience, unity, and Jackson’s enduring legacy. The net proceeds generated from this event are funneled back into the Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund Program, ensuring that its impact resonates within the community for years to come.

Since August 2011, the Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund has disbursed a total of $130,000.00 in scholarships to 66 deserving college-bound students. These scholarships, made possible by contributions from individuals, businesses, and churches across the Greater San Gabriel Valley, have provided financial assistance that not only bolsters students’ academic pursuits but also cultivates mentor relationships guiding young individuals towards a promising future.

On May 4, the annual Basketball Classic will be held at the John Muir High School gym, at 1905 Lincoln Ave. in Pasadena.

For more information, visit www.bjscholarship.org/.