Many professional athletes are blessed with prolific talent and physical prowess. When we see an athlete that possesses not only those attributes, but also ones that include humility, strength, and the ability to “give back” to his community, we are most impressed – and well we should be.
LSU standout and two time Super Bowl attendee Jarvis Green certainly fits that bill for those qualities and many more.
Green started a charity that assists those who often fall the proverbial cracks – disadvantaged, single working mothers. He certainly does his part and once again, will be giving back to the world around him. Green will appear on the Shell Small Business Matters panel July 28th in New Orleans, during the National Urban League Conference.
We had to find out what drives Jarvis Green and here’s what he had to say:
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: You do some great work in the community, especially in areas lacking attention. What made you the person you are today & what drives you to help those around you?
JARVIS GREEN: My mom made me the person I am today because of the discipline and raising us up in the church. Everyday was a challenge, but they made sure we learned a lesson every single day. That’s what tough love gives you. My parents always helped people while I was growing up. We didn’t have much as a family as I look back in the past. We sure were blessed as a family and I made sure to share and give back what was given to me.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us about your charity endeavors & why they are so important.
JARVIS GREEN: My charity, the Jarvis Green Foundation, helps disadvantaged single working mothers and the reason I chose them was because the Bible says help the moms and the orphans. I’m doing my part.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Growing up, who were the most influential people in your life?
JARVIS GREEN: My mom had to be that person – watching what she’s been through and watching my parents growing up, in an abusive marriage, I never saw her weak. She knew she had to raise a family. I grew up with 5 siblings in our home and she made sure we didnt have any choice but to SUCCEED IN LIFE.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What do you hope to bring to the Shell Small Business Matters Panel?
JARVIS GREEN: I hope I can bring my experiences – the good and the bad – and tell the world how my journey has been. Hopefully some of it will stick with them and they can say, “He’s not just an athlete, he’s just like us.”
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
JARVIS GREEN: If you want to get into this field of work, please be ready for the ups and downs that come with the business. Please follow your dream and your heart and make sure to get advice from well respected business people that have accomplished huge successes.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Make sure to check out Jarvis Green at the small business conference sponsored by Shell. He’ll drop some knowledge on you and you can check out how a real move maker gives back – a great example for the community. Visit his website at www.jarvisgreen.com to learn more about how you too can get involved.
