From the Bronx to Brotherhood: Ivan Jackson’s Journey of Resilience and Return

When Ivan Jackson walks the halls of Eagle Academy as the Director of College Counseling, he isn’t just an administrator—he’s a living testament to the transformative power of community, education, and coming full circle. Raised in the Fordham section of the Bronx, Ivan’s story is a compelling narrative of a young man who navigated the challenges of his environment to become a mentor and leader in the very institution that helped shape him.

Roots in Resilience

Growing up in District 9, one of the Bronx’s most vibrant yet challenging neighborhoods, Ivan was no stranger to adversity. “I grew up with neighbors who looked out for you, who wouldn’t let you curse on the block,” he recalls. “That sense of community helped keep me focused.” Amid the urban complexities, there was an undercurrent of traditional values and a tight-knit community that served as a protective shield and a guiding compass.

Ivan’s early education was as unique as it was foundational. He attended a Nation of Islam school from kindergarten through eighth grade, where Black nationalism and cultural pride were woven into the fabric of everyday learning. “It was focused on teaching us who we were as men of color,” Ivan explains. “Something you don’t usually get at such a young age.” This early immersion in self-awareness and cultural identity set the stage for his future endeavors.

Discovering Eagle Academy

Ivan’s path took a pivotal turn when he was introduced to Eagle Academy. Family connections led him to a high school fair at Theodore Roosevelt High School, where he encountered Hector Rivera, an Eagle representative who left a lasting impression. “I saw Hector talking about Eagle with so much confidence and articulation,” Ivan remembers. “I saw myself in him, and I knew that was the kind of man I wanted to be.”

In 2008, Ivan became part of Eagle Academy’s third graduating class—a pioneering group that was instrumental in shaping the school’s culture and traditions. “When I came in, the oldest students were juniors—the first graduating class. We looked up to them,” he says. The sense of brotherhood was immediate and profound. Eagle Academy wasn’t just a school; it was a community built on rituals, camaraderie, and a shared mission to redefine the narrative for young men of color.

Mentors Who Mattered

At Eagle, Ivan found mentors who would profoundly influence his life trajectory. Mr. Barnett, a staple at the school, had a way of engaging students that was both challenging and inspiring. “He had a way of making you want to grow,” Ivan reflects.

However, it was Mr. Sean Neblett who left an indelible mark. Teaching a character education class using hip-hop as a framework, Mr. Neblett connected with students on a cultural and personal level. “We’d watch movies like Juice and break down the characters’ decisions, connecting them to real-life lessons,” Ivan explains. “It was the first time I saw someone use something from our world, something we loved, to teach us how to navigate life.”

This innovative approach to education resonated deeply with Ivan. “Neblett made school cool,” he says. “He helped us think critically about our actions and the world around us. That approach to education stuck with me and shaped the way I engage with young people today.”

Higher Education and Leadership

After graduating from Eagle Academy, Ivan attended Wheelock College, majoring in American Studies and Communications with a minor in Juvenile Justice and Youth Advocacy. He was part of the “Eagle’s Nest” program, which encouraged Eagle alumni to attend college in small cohorts, providing a built-in support system. Alongside two of his Eagle brothers, Ivan navigated the complexities of higher education, fortified by the bonds they had formed.

At Wheelock, Ivan’s leadership skills flourished. In his freshman year, he became the first Black male president of the Black Student Union (BSU). “Being president of BSU was more than just organizing events,” he notes. “I became the go-to person for any racial or diversity issues on campus.” His role was pivotal in addressing racial dynamics at a predominantly white institution, and it amplified his passion for advocacy and mentorship.

The Return Home

Despite his achievements, Ivan felt a persistent pull back to Eagle Academy. “The goal was always to come back,” he asserts. After earning his master’s degree in American Studies at Purdue University, he returned to Eagle, not just as an alumnus, but as a leader committed to enhancing the institution that had given him so much.

Now the senior-most Director of College Counseling at Eagle, Ivan is instrumental in shaping the futures of young scholars. “I’m not just helping them get into college,” he explains. “I’m helping them figure out who they are and how they fit into the world.” His approach is holistic, focusing on academic guidance while nurturing personal growth and self-awareness.

Empowering Through Culture

Ivan is passionate about integrating culture into education, much like his mentor Mr. Neblett did. “Hip-hop is youth culture, and it’s important to meet students where they are,” he emphasizes. By incorporating elements that resonate with the students, he fosters a learning environment that is both engaging and relevant. “I want to help teachers understand our scholars better, to understand why hip-hop matters, why these young men gravitate to certain things, and how we can connect those things to their learning.”

The daily recitation of the poem Invictus remains a cornerstone of Eagle Academy’s culture—a practice that Ivan holds dear. “The poem teaches resilience,” he says. “Even when life bludgeons you, you come out unscathed and more powerful.” It’s a lesson he imparts to his students, embodying the spirit of perseverance and inner strength.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Ivan is dedicated to making Eagle Academy a national model for culturally responsive education. “Eagle isn’t just a school; it’s a place where young men of color can come home,” he asserts. “We’re not just focused on academics—we’re preparing our students to be complete scholars and citizens.”

His work is driven by a deep understanding of the challenges his students face and a commitment to equipping them with the tools to overcome them. “Eagle gave me the tools to survive and thrive,” he reflects. “Now it’s my turn to give that back.”

Closing the Circle

Ivan Jackson’s journey from a young boy in the Bronx to a leader at Eagle Academy is a powerful narrative of resilience, empowerment, and the impact of giving back. His story underscores the importance of representation, mentorship, and the transformative power of education rooted in cultural relevance.

As he walks the halls of Eagle Academy today, Ivan is not just a counselor or an administrator—he is a beacon of what is possible when one remains connected to their roots while forging new paths. “My goal is to ensure that every young man who comes through these doors leaves prepared to face the world with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose,” he says.

In a world that often underestimates the potential of young men of color, Ivan Jackson stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities invest in their own. His full-circle journey is more than a personal triumph; it’s a blueprint for creating lasting change and empowering the next generation to soar.