11th Annual Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship Basketball Tournament in Pasadena

Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship

• 🏀 The 11th Annual Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship and Basketball Classic is a significant event held in Pasadena.
• 💡 The tournament honors Brandon Jackson, a former player of Coach David Williams, who was tragically killed.
• 🏆 The event has grown substantially over 15 years (including a hiatus), awarding 79 scholarships and raising over $156,000.

Scholarship Impact and Reach

• 🎯 This year, 14 scholarships will be awarded, the most to date, to students in need.
• 🎓 Scholarships are specifically targeted towards low-income, underserved, and under-resourced students within the Pasadena Unified School District.
• 🌱 The program aims to provide crucial support, including scholarships and mentoring, to help students achieve higher education goals.

Community Support Amidst Adversity

• 🔥 Coach Williams and his family were personally impacted by a recent fire, with his house damaged and daughters losing their homes.
• 🤝 Despite personal challenges, Coach Williams is committed to community support, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and contributing.
• 💖 The tournament also extends support to families impacted by the recent fire.

Empowering the Community Through a New Nonprofit

• 🚀 Coach Williams has officially launched a nonprofit organization called Empower You.
• 🌟 This nonprofit status, achieved in February, will allow for broader resources, expanded networks with other nonprofits, and increased support for children, parents, and families in the community.

Event Details

• 🗓️ The tournament runs from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at John Muir High School.
• 🎤 A special ceremony to present scholarships will take place at 2:00 PM.
• 👥 Approximately 26 teens are participating in the event.