HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – This content comes from Jeremy Allen, the executive editor with the Michigan Chronicle, as part of our partnership with the local news organization.
It all started in 1974 with a couple dozen kids, a six-foot four-inch NFL offensive lineman, a bag of footballs, and a few stacks of small orange cones.
Now, 50 years later, imagining the city of Highland Park without the Reggie McKenzie Foundation would be like imagining a Michigan winter with no snow: it just wouldn’t make sense.
“Reggie is a unique individual who never forgot where he came from,” said Jim Brandstatter, Reggie McKenzie’s college roommate at the University of Michigan, and the legendary radio voice of Michigan Football and the Detroit Lions for more than four decades. “This man has done more for the City of Highland Park and inner-city Detroit and underprivileged kids than a lot of government programs that have spent billions of dollars more. Reggie is a true treasure.”
In the heart of Highland Park, nestled behind the Ernest T. Ford Rec Center and amidst the resilient and vibrant nature of the community, the Reggie McKenzie Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity. For five decades now, this foundation has dedicated itself to uplifting the youth of Highland Park and Detroit, creating pathways for success through sports, education, and mentorship.
Founded by Highland Park native Reggie McKenzie, an All-Pro NFL offensive lineman and College Football Hall of Fame player, the foundation has been instrumental in shaping the lives of countless young athletes. Its mission has always been clear: to provide the resources and support necessary for youth to achieve their fullest potential, both on and off the field.
At the helm of the foundation is Jovon Burkes, a dedicated and passionate director who has been a guiding force in its continued success. Burkes, with his unwavering commitment to the community, has built upon Reggie’s legacy, expanding programs and initiatives that address the evolving needs of the youth. His leadership is complemented by the involvement of the foundation’s assistant director, Kyle McKenzie, Reggie’s nephew, whose dedication to the foundation runs deep. Together, they have ensured that the foundation remains a cornerstone of the community.
“Reggie McKenzie has always been my hero. Reggie McKenzie has never steered kids away. He didn’t care if you didn’t have cleats, if you didn’t know how to get into a three-point stance, or if you didn’t know how to tie your shoe. I participated every year from the time I was 9 years old until I was 18, then I started coaching and I’ve been a part of the program ever since,” Burkes said.
“Every year when I came back to this camp, I had to make sure I had been doing the right thing because if I wasn’t he was gonna check me about it. So, not only did Reggie help with football, but he held us accountable and helped us with life skills. Despite what’s going on in Highland Park – the ups and the downs – the Reggie McKenzie Foundation has always been here.”
The influence of the Reggie McKenzie Foundation is evident in the achievements of its alumni. Among the many success stories are legendary NFL players like Jerome Bettis, Barry Sanders, and Brandon Graham. Bettis, a Detroit product better known as “The Bus,” credits the foundation for instilling in him the discipline and work ethic that propelled him to a Hall of Fame career.
“If it had not been to Reggie McKenzie, there would be no Jerome Bettis,” Bus said.
Sanders, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, found inspiration and support through the foundation’s programs. Graham, a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, often speaks about the foundation’s role in his development both as an athlete and as a person.
As the foundation celebrates its 51st year, it reflects on its remarkable journey and the impact it has had on thousands of young lives. From sports camps and academic tutoring to college preparation and career counseling, the foundation’s comprehensive approach has set a standard for community-based initiatives. Its programs are designed not only to enhance athletic skills but also to foster personal growth, leadership, and a sense of responsibility.
“We celebrated 50 years in 2023. It was a milestone that was wonderful to celebrate, but me and Jovon are going to try to take it to another 50 years,” said Kyle McKenzie. “We’re related by blood, but it’s more than blood for me. Reggie McKenzie is more than my uncle. He’s more than a football player. He’s more than a community leader. He’s a legend around here. I want to be able to highlight the stuff he did off the field, helping his community, just as much as the stuff he did on the field.”
Throughout its history, the foundation has adapted to the changing landscape of youth needs. In recent years, it has incorporated technology and innovative teaching methods to keep pace with educational advancements. The foundation also places a strong emphasis on mental health, recognizing the importance of holistic well-being in the success of its participants.
Burkes and Kyle McKenzie continue to build on the solid foundation laid by Reggie McKenzie. Their vision for the future includes expanding the foundation’s reach, securing additional funding for new programs, and forging additional partnerships with local and national organizations to amplify their impact. They are driven by the belief that every child in Highland Park and Detroit deserves the chance to succeed and that the foundation can be the catalyst for that success.
The Reggie McKenzie Foundation’s story is one of perseverance, dedication, and community spirit. As it embarks on its 51st year, it stands as a testament to the power of giving back and the profound difference that one organization can make in the lives of many.
“We can pick the mentees, but it’s always good for the mentees to choose their mentors,” Burkes said. “We’re using this program and the foundation Reggie McKenzie laid and what they gave us, and we’re taking it to the next level.”
The Michigan Chronicle is a historic Metro Detroit publication that covers the interests of the Black community. Learn more on their website here.