Built From Purpose. Driven By Impact.
JB3 Foundation was born from real-life experiences and a deeply personal mission—to help change lives one day at a time through sports, education, wellness, mentorship, family support, and compassionate community outreach.
Why JB3 Was Created
JB3 Foundation was not created from sports alone. It was created from years of lived experiences, difficult seasons, meaningful conversations, and a family commitment to serving others.
Long before JB3 became a foundation, giving back was simply how we lived.
Like many families, our journey was not built on perfect circumstances. There were seasons of stability and seasons of uncertainty. Times when our family lived in larger homes, and times when we shared a single room just trying to make ends meet. There were moments when income was steady, and moments when it wasn’t—times when meals were simple, resources were limited, and every dollar had to stretch further than most people would ever realize.
We have experienced what it feels like to have much, to lose much, and to rebuild more than once.
But through every season—whether we had plenty or very little—one thing never changed:
Who We Are Never Changed.
We remained grateful. We remained humble. And we continued to help others whenever and however we could.
As seasons changed, our family gathered clothing our children had outgrown, shoes, blankets, and everyday essentials to share with those in need. On cold days, if we didn’t have enough supplies at home, we would visit local thrift stores, purchase blankets, warm clothing, coffee, and food, and spend time under bridges and within underserved communities—not simply dropping off items, but sitting, listening, learning, and building real human connection.
Over the years, our home became a place of refuge for others. We opened our doors to children who needed stability, encouragement, or simply a safe and loving environment, as well as adults navigating difficult seasons in life. We helped teammates and friends who otherwise may not have had access to travel, experiences, or opportunities. We cared for stray animals, often nursing them back to health, adopting them, or helping them find loving homes.
Whether traveling across the country or visiting communities in other states and countries, it was always important that our children see both opportunity and adversity firsthand. Those experiences shaped not only their perspective, but their gratitude, humility, compassion, and desire to serve others.
At the same time, Jakai “Kai” Black developed a deep passion for basketball at a young age. As his love for the game grew, so did his influence on others. Younger athletes began looking up to him. Parents shared how their children admired his leadership, work ethic, and the way he encouraged others. Kai began to understand that true impact reaches far beyond competition.
One day, after reflecting on the lives we had touched and the people we had met along the way, Kai told me he wanted to continue helping others, creating opportunities, and making a difference—but he didn’t want that responsibility to fall on one person alone.
When I explained what a nonprofit organization was and how it could create scholarships, mentorship, outreach initiatives, wellness programs, life-changing experiences, and real opportunities for others, his response was immediate.
“Yes… that’s what I want to do.”
— Jakai “Kai” Black
That moment became the beginning of JB3.
Today, JB3 Foundation exists to create opportunities, inspire leadership, serve communities, and remind people that true success is not measured only by what you achieve for yourself—but by how many lives you help change along the way.