Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. quietly making huge impact in community

Memphis Grizzlies superstar Jaren Jackson Jr. had his best season yet as an NBA player in 2021-22, but off the court, he made an even bigger impact.

Whether it was engaging in efforts to elevate girls and women in sports or donating his time or money to various organizations, Jackson Jr. has been a force for good in Memphis and surrounding communities.

It’s a big reason why he’s a finalist for the 2022 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award.

The award, in its second year, “recognizes a current NBA player for pursuing social justice and advancing Abdul-Jabbar’s life mission to engage, empower and drive equality for individuals and groups who have been historically marginalized or systemically disadvantaged,” according to a press release from the team.

Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. making an impact in the community

Despite a busy schedule playing 82+ games per year, Jackson has made it clear that philanthropy is important. In the last several months and years, Jackson has raised money and donated to countless charities in Memphis.

Jackson, via an online campaign, raised $200,000 on Giving Tuesday last fall, which he dispersed to charities and non-profits like: Arts Memphis, Girls Inc., Memphis Slim house, Vance Avenue Youth Development Center, and Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, according to the Grizzlies.

Jackson has also chipped in during the pandemic, providing PPE to communities and provided meals for those working at Covid-19 testing sites.

Besides being a Nike Ambassador for programs that help girls and women share their voice on competing in sports, he also started an initiative that covers the cost of tickets, transportation, and snacks for local middle school teams to attend University of Memphis women’s basketball games.

Knowing how much Jackson cares about the community, you won’t be surprised to learn that he assisted 13 families in helping cover overdue housing and utility expenses during the winter.

Jackson has also participated in PSA’s from Covid-19 vaccinations to the importance of voting in elections.

Even if Jackson doesn’t win this prestigious award, what he’s done in the community is bigger than basketball. His tangible contributions to this city is, in many aspects, life changing for some.

No. 12 gets most of the spotlight in Memphis, but No. 13, Jaren Jackson Jr., has quietly been making a huge impact in the community.