FORDHAM PREP 2022 ANNUAL GIVING REPORT
FAR LEFT : Film producer and director George Jackson ’ 76 on the set of Jason ’ s Lyric ( 1994 ). LEFT : Jackson ’ s 1976 Fordham Prep graduation photo .
THE GEORGE JACKSON
’ 76
INITIATIVE
G eorge Jackson ’ 76 entered Fordham Prep in 1972 . Cocaptain of the Prep ’ s Varsity Football Team , he was described by his classmates as “ supremely confident ” and as someone who “ carried himself like he was in charge .” Upon graduating from the Prep , Jackson attended Harvard University . His hope was to become a boxing match promoter , but God had other plans for him . He eventually found his way to California , where he started out as a production assistant for Paramount Television in 1982 .
Jackson eventually became a producer himself . His filmography includes cult classics like New Jack City and Krush Groove . In 1997 , Motown Records recruited him to join the legendary record label as president and CEO . He is credited with helping the Temptations get back on the charts with their first hit album in two decades ( Phoenix Rising , 1998 ).
After leaving Motown , Jackson became involved in a number of startup media companies , including the Urban Box Office Network . He passed away of a stroke in early 2000 at age 42 .
The George Jackson Initiative ( GJI ) was born in response to the racial injustices and civil unrest that occurred during the summer of 2020 .
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