Harlem community champion inspires with acts of kindness and generosity

HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) -- A Harlem community champion says he turned his life around in the new year. He took to the streets on the last day of Hanukkah to spread a little cheer.  

Robert Jackson says he is a man on a mission to help his community not just for the new year, but all year round.  Jackson says it’s his Jewish faith and his love of community that drives him to make it happen.

Jackson gave toys out on the sidewalk to children on 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd on the last day of Hanukkah. He says it’s more than a toy but joy. A small gesture that means so much. 

Jackson has a personal motto he lives by. Kindness is free.  His giving is contagious. Jackson now helps lead a community group called Honor Our Brothers based in Harlem, dozens of members strong.

Jackson says he found his purpose through a lot of pain.  Suffering Back to back tragedies, losing his mother to cancer and his brother, struck and killed in a hit and run.  He battled depression for years. Jackson says what saved him was giving. 

Helping others he says was medicine for his soul. A big turning point in his life finding his Jewish faith, converting in 2015.  If you know a community champion making it happen in their community, reach out to Monica Morales at Monica@pix11.com