Today we’d like to introduce you to Guy Jackson.
Guy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am originally from Marrero, LA. (A small town outside of New Orleans) Where I’m from not many people leave or make it out. My mom gave birth to me at 16 and my sister at 19. When I was younger, we lived in the projects where roaches and rats were common. I always knew I was different when I was a kid because while my friends were listening to the Hot Boys I was stuck on older sounds like New Edition and Tevin Campbell. Eventually my mom went back to school to get a better education and provide a better life for my sister and I. When we moved to our new apartment in Harvey, LA months later hurricane Katrina made her debut. My mom took my sister and I to her job which at the time was at Charity Hospital. We were stuck in the hospital for a week in a half and then we heard news that no one was coming for us. My mom (Gentriece Jackson) jumped into action and tied trash bags around the legs of my sister and I.
As we headed out into the city the air in the bags made it easier to walk through the water until the water became so high that the bags became insufficient. As we made our way through the city we could here someone yelling “hello!! Hello!!” As we looked down the flooded streets of Downtown New Orleans we could see two men and a women on a boat with two 2×4’s pushing their way towards us. They asked us if we needed a ride, and sure enough my mom accepted. Before we left the hospital my mom armed me with two scalpels and told me to vow that I would protect my little sister (Toi Jackson) at all cost. When we got on the boat the thought of me having to protect my mom and my sister crossed my mom, but the strangers seemed to want to genuinely help us. We pushed through the city and eventually came up to the neutral ground on Canal St. When we got out there were some kids that advised us to steal some clothes from a local stores to have a chance at getting dry again.
Eventually, my mom had a friend meet us on Canal St. where it was dryer than the rest of the city. We left New Orleans, and traveled to Baton Rouge to live with her friend for a few nights, and then after we met up with the rest of our family in Lake Charles. My mom left us with my grandma, and few cousins while she went to Houston, Texas to look for a new Nursing Job opportunity. Eventually, we moved to Houston TX, where I finished High School and pursued my passion. When I graduated my High School my mom wanted me to join the Air Force, but instead I left Houston and moved back to New Orleans to live with my grandma. I ended up joining the NBA using my talents it elevated me and allowed me a chance to travel the world Tumbling, Dancing, and Acrobatic Slam-Dunking. I’ve been to Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, Vietnam, Sao Paulo, and Manila. I found myself auditioning for the role of Chuck T. Condor The L.A Clippers Mascot where I unveiled the Clippers Mascot for the world to see, and dunked with L.A Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. 3 Season in The Clippers gave me another opportunity to unveil another character named KC who happens to be Chuck’s younger brother with the Clippers G-League team.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There has been plenty of struggles along the way. I was born into the struggle, and have experienced the struggle throughout my entire life.
From the “Projects”
Losing Everything (Hurricane Katrina)
Moving to a new City and starting over (Houston, TX)
Pursuing my Passion w/ no support
Adjusting to my new position with the Clippers.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Los Angeles Clippers – what should we know?
As the mascot coordinator for the L.A Clippers, and AC Clippers I specialize in dancing, tumbling, and acrobatic slam-dunking. My drive to be better than I was yesterday, and the fact that I’ve come from a very tough background I execute every objective with a chip on my shoulder because I NEVER want to back to the way I used to live. So everyday I give it my all whether I’m working out, or working for the NBA.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My ability to be relatable without having to say a word as a mascot. The fact that I can dance, tumble, and dunk is a plus, but being able to relate to anyone and everyone without them seeing my facial expression is a true gift that I learned to develop within four years.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11201 5th St. apt #305 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
- Phone: 2132191764
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/guyjaxn
- Facebook: facebook.com/GuyJaXon
- Other: LA Clippers
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