The late Greg Jackson ’74 had such a lasting, positive impact on the residents of Brownsville, a once-troubled neighborhood in Brooklyn, that city and school officials named a street after him and, later, an elementary school. Guilford College leaders are exploring ways to expand that impact on the community.

Last week Guilford representatives visited the Gregory “Jocko” Jackson School of Sports, Arts and Technology while they were in New York City for a Presidential Conversation between President Kyle Farmbry and alumni.

Elizabeth Freeze, Director of Development for Major Gifts, and LaDaniel Gatling (above, right), Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement, showed up at the school bearing gifts for the students such as Guilford pens, backpacks and travel bags. They also brought a framed No. 33 Guilford jersey, the number Greg wore when he played men’s basketball.

There may be more in the works. Elizabeth says the College is looking into developing a partnership with officials and students from the school.

What that looks like moving forward remains to be determined, but Guilford leaders and Malcolm Jackson (above, center), Greg’s son, say the College is considering hosting a group of students from the school in Greensboro to give them an up close look at what their futures could be.

“For a lot of these children, they might not even be thinking about a future that includes college, so it would be great if Guilford could help them see that,” says Malcolm. “Before you can dream about something you have to see it. That’s what excites me about Guilford and my dad’s (elementary) school.”

“It would be a great way to honor (Greg) and continue what he started in his neighborhood,” Elizabeth says.

Greg, who died in 2012, was a member of Guilford’s basketball team that won the 1973 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national championship. He played for one year in the NBA before returning to Brooklyn where he was born and raised.

Over the years Jocko, as residents called him, became known as a tireless community advocate and, unofficially, the mayor of Brownsville. He took over as manager of Brownsville’s recreation center in 1997 and turned it into a haven for residents young and old.

Malcolm envisions a similar connection between Guilford and Brownsville’s students. He has visited the College twice, most recently in February when Guilford celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1973 team.

He says he understands why his father shared so many fond memories of the College. “It’s a special place for sure,” he says. “Both times I’ve been there I’ve felt that special sense, that community. I’d love for the kids in Brownsville to experience that, too.”

Danny had a chance to speak to Jackson students at a ceremony. “When I think about the seeds we are planting in the minds of these young people, it was a magical day,” he says. “Our goal is to continue to cultivate the relationship between our schools. This includes visiting Greensboro and our campus. Who knows? In a few years, we may be welcoming Brownsville to Guilford College once again.”