About Jefferson School Foundation
Discover the rich legacy of the Jefferson School Foundation, which owns and operates the Jefferson School City Center. The Jefferson School Foundation is led by its esteemed Board of Directors, Chaired by Martin V. Burks, III. While the City Center serves as a vibrant community hub, the Foundation ensures the preservation of its historical roots. It continues to fuel its growth as a modern cultural and educational resource.
Experience the unique essence of the Jefferson School Foundation—a living legacy, vibrant community hub, and catalyst for inclusivity. Our USP is a blend of rich history and cultural vitality.
The Jefferson School Foundation is dedicated to preserving and sustaining the history of The Jefferson School. We strive to enhance the quality of life by supporting and advancing the Jefferson School City Center as a vibrant community resource and hub for diverse services and programs. Through strategic stewardship and community engagement, the Jefferson School City Center serves as a vital asset in our community.
Jefferson School Foundation Board Members & Staff
The Jefferson School Foundation is led by an esteemed Board of Directors, chaired by Martin Burks III, who provides strategic leadership to preserve the legacy and future of the Jefferson School City Center.
Martin V. Burks III
Chairman
Carolyn Rainey
Vice Chair
Julian Taliaferro
Treasurer
Deborah Bell-Burks
Board Member
Leah Puryear
Board Member
Dr. Frank Friedman
Board Member
Dr. Marcus Martin
Board Member
Dr. Tarron Richardson
Board Member
Our Staff
The day-to-day work is executed by the foundation’s dedicated staff, including Executive Director Bernard Whitsett II and Director of Community Engagement Kimberly Sheffield.
Bernard Whitsett
Executive Director
jeffschoolfoundation@gmail.com
Kimberly. L. Sheffield
Director, Community Engagement
ksheffield@jeffersonschoolfoundation.com
The Jefferson School Foundation Task Force
The Jefferson School Foundation Task Force is a group of dedicated community leaders, stakeholders, and organizational partners who act as the foundation’s eyes and ears within the community. They provide valuable strategic input and guidance, helping to shape the foundation’s future initiatives and ensure that its efforts are aligned with community needs and interests. By staying connected with various areas of the community, the Task Force ensures that the Jefferson School City Center continues to be a vibrant and impactful resource while preserving the historic legacy of the Jefferson School.
James Dowell
Elizabeth Knutsen
Tamika Irving
Nancy Burney
Jessica Carter
Raylaja Waller
Dr. Richard Johnson
Bishop George Gohanna (Honorary Task Force member)
Tristan Kabesa
Become a Volunteer Today
Join us in building a vibrant community! Become a volunteer at Jefferson School Foundation. Contribute to preserving history, promoting inclusivity, and shaping a meaningful future. Enlist today!
Donate Today
Your generosity is the cornerstone of the Jefferson School Foundation’s mission to sustain and elevate the Jefferson School City Center. By giving, you are not only preserving a piece of history but also actively shaping the future of our community. Together, we can ensure that this historic landmark continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity.
We’ve Ignited History, Fostered Unity, and Shaped a Vibrant Future.
What we aim to do at Jefferson School Foundation is simple yet profound: To help the Jefferson School preserve history, foster inclusivity, and provide cultural and educational opportunities. Join us in building a community legacy that celebrates diversity and shapes a future where everyone is an integral part of our story.