Black History Month: Keith B. Jordan

Black History Month is an opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of African-Americans in our nation. This February, Spring Arbor University will take this opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of many prominent African-Americans in history, specifically four of our own African-American alumni, as part of the month-long celebration.

Keith B. Jordan is an alumnus of the adult undergraduate and graduate programs at our Global Site in the Metro-Toledo area. Since graduating from Toledo Start High School, his career has included many successful years at the Ford Motor Company in Maumee, Ohio, as well as many years of volunteering for youth related service organizations. Upon his retirement from Ford, Keith decided to devote all of his time, energy and finances to his passion of addressing the needs of our most precious citizens: the youth.

Keith’s passion for mentoring children developed out of his own experiences. As the son of a Baptist minister father and a devoted mother, he still fell victim to the streets and to peer pressure. Because of this, Keith feels compelled to share his experiences, strength and encouragement to help those from backgrounds more desperate than his.

Keith is currently the co-founder and Director of Development for JLJ Vision Outreach, a non-profit organization whose programs are designed to affirm at-risk youth by establishing and reinforcing their academic curriculum, developing character and simultaneously helping them to develop life skills.

Keith lectures to university organizations demonstrating his commitment to bringing to light the plight of at-risk youth and the community’s responsibility in collaborating in this endeavor. He has developed lasting relationships with Toledo Public Schools and Springfield Schools by servicing an in-school mentoring program for middle school and high school students (ages 12-16). He contracts with Lucas County Juvenile Courts where he acts as their Education Specialist helping children assimilate back into their classrooms.

Keith is a 2017 Jefferson Award winner, an award given to recognize “unsung heroes” who are devoted to public service within their communities. This award is recognized nationally for consistent, philanthropic service to the citizens of Northwest Ohio.

Keith serves as a Board Member for Bethany House Women’s’ Shelter, The Maritime Academy of Toledo, The Owens Community College Foundation, Toledo Fair Housing Center and the Toledo Community Foundation Scholarship Review Committee.

Along with board participation, Keith lectures to educational institutions, non-profit organizations and many other groups on matters of safe school climates, diversity and inclusion and cultural sensitivity.