Dr. John B. King, Jr.

Reverend Jesse Jackson’s life was defined by courage and conviction. From Selma to the national stage, he stood tall against injustice. We honor his legacy and the generations he inspired.

“A book is more powerful than a scroll.” When MBK Ambassador Ikenna Okoye (Uniondale, NY) wants to get grounded, it’s not an app or a guided meditation that he opens — it’s a book. Ikenna takes President Obama’s advice that “Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible.” He believes that reading helps us feel grounded, connecting to something bigger and beyond our own experiences. Ikenna is putting that belief into action by advancing MBK Milestone 2: ensuring students read at grade level by third grade. He tracks reading progress across his school district and helps schools celebrate their successes along the way. A book at a time, Ikenna is supporting elementary students as they build strong reading habits, confidence, and focus. “As an MBK Ambassador, I want more students to see reading as an opportunity, not just something to do.”