Nahshon Nicks is the founder of The First Coast Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to transform Jacksonville and turn battlegrounds into playgrounds. At JVC 2023, Nicks highlights the challenges faced by African Americans in the city and emphasizes the importance of civic engagement, mentoring, and workforce development in helping young people achieve their goals.
Nicks also discusses his background in education and martial arts and how he has merged the two to create a Social Emotional and Academic Leadership program called SEAL Team. The program empowers young people from all backgrounds via martial arts instruction and has been implemented in schools across Jacksonville.
Nahshon also encourages the audience to take action and get involved in investing in the next generation. He suggests various ways to do so, such as mentoring, volunteering, joining a board, and investing time and resources in non-profit organizations. Nicks emphasizes the importance of building social capital through community and connectivity, and how it can lead to creating a positive impact in the city. By working together, Nicks believes that Jacksonville can overcome its challenges and achieve great things.
"Duval is our diamond. It's going to take a little attention, it's going to take a little bit of love, it's going to take a little bit of empathy, but I believe that if we all work together we will all win."
JVC was honored to have Dr. Nahshon Nicks share his story, speak on Jacksonville's potential, and explain how we can take action to level the playing field.