Jackie Joyner-Kersee: A Long-Lasting Legacy
Champion Athlete and Advocate for Change in East St. Louis
St. Louis born Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s athletic and philanthropic legacy is unparalleled. Widely recognized as the greatest female athlete of the 20th century, her remarkable career has left a lasting mark on the world of sports. Over the course of four consecutive Olympic Games, Jackie amassed six Olympic medals, three gold, one silver and two bronze. She also garnered four World Championship titles and made history as the first woman to earn more than 7,000 points in the heptathlon. Jackie also holds Olympic and national records in the long jump, with her 1994 performance remaining the second-longest jump in history. In addition to her track and field record, Jackie was a world-class sprinter and even had a brief professional basketball career after her successful UCLA collegiate career.
Though her athletic achievements are well-documented, Jackie’s impact extends far beyond the track. Born in 1962, Jackie grew up in challenging circumstances. Regardless, her family instilled strong values in her and her siblings. Her mother Mary and father Alfred fueled her determination in both sports and life. Al Joyner, her brother, also found Olympic glory as a triple jumper.
Jackie’s success in athletics is mirrored by her tireless advocacy for children’s education, health, racial equality and women’s rights. She is particularly passionate about raising awareness around asthma, a condition she herself has, and advocating for social reform. Throughout each year, she delivers many motivational speeches, both locally and globally, inspiring hundreds as she shares her insights on athletics, business success, overcoming circumstances and youth empowerment.
One of Jackie’s most significant contributions off the field is the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation (JJK Foundation). Her philanthropic work in her hometown of East St. Louis continues to create lasting change. Most notably, the foundation’s key project is the JJK Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition Innovation Center (JJK FAN). This initiative aims to tackle food insecurity and provide educational opportunities in agriculture, nutrition, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). The project was made possible through a $12 million New Markets Tax Credit allocation from Heartland Regional Investment Fund (HRIF, a subsidiary of STL Partnership).
The JJK FAN Center, which serves over 200 children on a 70+ acre site, offers robust programming. Programming includes helping children develop skills in agriculture, food innovation, entrepreneurialism and nutrition. The JJK FAN Center inspires future leaders and aims to address local systemic disparities.
Beyond food security, the JJK Foundation prioritizes four key areas, K-12 programming, stimulating entrepreneurship in youth, food access and workforce development and community development. Over 3,000 children have benefited from the Foundation’s programs, including after-school care, summer camps, internships, and youth athletics and agricultural programming.
Through her Foundation and the JJK FAN Center, Jackie Joyner-Kersee continues to empower the next generation of leaders, providing them with the tools they need to thrive and contribute to the betterment of their community. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is clear that Jackie’s legacy is one not only of athletic achievement but also enduring compassion and advocacy for change.