About Us

Our Story

Established out of pain. Elevated by purpose.

JLD Community Solutions is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement. Born out of tragedy, this organization began in 2010 as the Johnny Leroy Dawkins Jr. Scholarship Fund, founded by Angela McDuffie and Andria Nyarko, two visionary women who turned their pain into purpose. They established this fund to honor the memory of their loved one, Johnny Leroy Dawkins Jr., a young man whose life was tragically cut short by gun violence at the age of 25. His story is not just a reminder of loss but a call to action. Angela and Andria channeled their grief into creating a legacy of hope, empowerment, and opportunity for young men of color who face similar challenges.

In 2023, the organization evolved, adopting the doing-business-as (dba) name JLD Community Solutions to reflect its expanded mission and broader impact. Officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on December 20, 2020, JLD Community Solutions has become a beacon of change. Its mission is clear: to empower young men of color through scholarships and leadership development, equipping them with the skills and resources they need to succeed. But it doesn’t stop there. JLD Community Solutions is deeply committed to promoting community safety and engagement, addressing the root causes of gun violence, and creating pathways for these young men to thrive.

The impact of JLD Community Solutions’ work speaks for itself. To date, the organization has awarded over $25,000 in scholarships, with roughly 95% of recipients being accepted into four-year universities. These scholarships are more than financial aid—they are lifelines, opportunities for young men to rewrite their narratives and dream bigger than their circumstances. Each scholarship represents a step toward breaking cycles of violence and poverty, and a step toward building a brighter future for these young men and their communities.

JLD Community Solutions’ evolution has been marked by strategic growth and innovation. In 2022, the organization expanded its fundraising efforts with their signature "Where Are They Now" fundraising banquet, showcasing the accomplishments of past scholarship recipients. In 2023 they introduced the "Men of Valor Christmas Ball" fundraising event, that not only raised critical funds but also brought communities together in support of its mission. In 2023, JLD Community Solutions deepened its community outreach, launching initiatives to raise awareness about gun violence and community safety. These efforts are not just about prevention—they’re about creating a culture of care, accountability, and empowerment.

Looking ahead, JLD Community Solutions has ambitious plans to expand their team, volunteer involvement, and its programs with a focus on leadership development. This expansion will ensure they have the resources needed to continue to increase their impact and ensure that young men of color are not only equipped to succeed academically but also to become leaders in their communities. JLD Community Solutions’ core values—integrity, transparency, empowerment, and community service—are the foundation of every initiative, ensuring that every dollar invested creates lasting, meaningful change.

Many individuals in the community have expressed how deeply inspired they are by JLD Community Solutions’ mission and impact. This organization is not just investing in young men of color; it’s investing in the future of our communities. By supporting JLD Community Solutions, you are not just donating to a cause—you are becoming part of a movement that transforms lives, heals communities, and builds a legacy of hope.

Join us. Invest in JLD Community Solutions, and together, let’s empower the next generation of leaders, change-makers, and dreamers. Because when we invest in these young men, we invest in a future where everyone can thrive.