Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring Change.

Jaylen was a beloved son, brother, friend, and leader whose kindness left a lasting mark on those around him. One of five children—four boys and one girl—he held family close to his heart. That love shaped his character and his commitment to helping others.

Jaylen pursued excellence in the classroom and on the field. At Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills, Illinois, he consistently earned honor roll recognition and served as co-captain of his varsity football team.

His commitment to giving back and his determination to further his education led him to Jackson, Mississippi. He enrolled at Jackson State University to study Business Industrial Technology and continued to thrive, earning a place on the Dean’s List, serving as a University Service Ambassador, joining Men of Excellence, and being elected President of Collegiate 100 for the 2023–2024 academic year.

In Spring 2023, Jaylen was initiated into the Delta Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he proudly served as Line President. Among his line brothers, Jaylen was not only the President—he was also known as the Rock and the Jewel, distinctions that spoke to the strength, dedication, leadership, and unwavering presence he brought to his brotherhood.

In Alpha Land, Jaylen was known as ‘Peerless Jewe7,’ a name that could not have been more fitting. Peerless—without equal, unmatched—captured so much of who Jaylen was. He had a natural ability to lead while remaining grounded, dependable, and committed to those around him. Whether in his fraternity, on campus, or within his community, Jaylen consistently demonstrated the character of a young man determined to lead, serve, and make a difference.

Jaylen gave of himself freely and selflessly to help others. His compassion, generosity, and willingness to serve were evident in the way he lived. Tragically, his selfless efforts came at the ultimate cost—his life. His sacrifice is a heartbreaking reminder of the profound impact one person can have through kindness and service to others.

On May 4, 2024, Jaylen was posthumously awarded his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology—a meaningful recognition of his dedication and achievements.

A heart for helping others

Service was an essential part of Jaylen’s life. Several days before his untimely passing, he helped prepare for World Homeless Day at the Stewpot Outreach Center in Jackson, Mississippi. It would become his final act of community service. Even in his final moments, he was doing what he did best—serving others. In October 2024, the Stewpot Outreach Center erected a mural in Jaylen’s honor.

Jaylen’s story reflects compassion, resilience, and a belief in the transformative power of education. He was proud to attend a historically Black university and hoped that his future children would one day share that experience by attending an HBCU.

His legacy lives on

Where a legacy begins, generational cycles of struggle can give way to opportunity, hope, and a future transformed. Jaylen lived with a full heart and a powerful sense of purpose—and through his legacy, we’re helping the next generation dream boldly, rise beyond their circumstances, and build a legacy of their own.

Although Jaylen never had children of his own, our foundation carries his love of education forward through each student we support. Every scholarship honors his dreams and helps another student build a future filled with possibility.

Through our foundation, Jaylen’s spirit of kindness, leadership, and service continues to inspire and uplift others.

For at least seven years, Sarai Court #1, Royal Degree of Amaranth, has hosted the Arthur A. Burgess Jr. College Trunk Charity, providing incoming freshmen with trunks filled with essentials, encouragement, and love as they begin their college journeys.

This tradition holds a special place in our family’s heart. Justin received a trunk in 2019, Jaylen in 2020, and Jenai in 2022. Having experienced that generosity firsthand—and personally donated trunks in previous years—it was especially meaningful to prepare one on behalf of Jaylen’s Legacy Foundation.

This year, we proudly supported Nasir as he headed to Morehouse College to pursue journalism. His trunk carried more than supplies: it carried our love, our belief in his future, and our prayers for protection and continued success.

It is truly a blessing to be a blessing. Through acts of service like this, we carry Jaylen’s light forward, helping students begin their next chapter knowing a community is cheering them on.

On April 4, 2026, three members of Jaylen’s Legacy Foundation’s board volunteered at the Chicago Black College Expo, hosted at Chicago State University.

They connected with students, supported future college applicants, and helped foster an atmosphere of encouragement and possibility. With opportunities for on-the-spot college acceptances and scholarships, the event opened doors for students taking their next steps toward higher education.

We’re proud to carry Jaylen’s legacy of service forward by helping uplift the next generation of leaders. Thank you to the National College Resources Foundation for creating opportunities that help students pursue their dreams.