First-ever JJK scholarship recipient describes her unwavering gratitude

There are two Bible verses that come to mind for Dr. Tamika Roddy Bradley when she thinks of her mentor Jackie Joyner-Kersee.  The first is Matthew 5:16.

The King James Version reads “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

“She cast this light and allowed me to stand in it and say, ‘I’m here,’” Bradley said.

More than thirty years ago Bradley became the first-ever Jackie Joyner-Kersee Scholarship recipient.

“Having that distinction feels kind of like bragging rights,” She wouldn’t be the last.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee has changed the lives of more people than she could ever know – through scholarships, the foundation that bears her name and the nationally recognized “Winning in Life” curriculum that is implemented at her academy and in five states across the country.

It is why she will be celebrated at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 37^th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education and Awards Gala on Saturday, October 12 at America’s Center.

However, the true measure of her impact is best expressed by the individuals whose lives were changed because of her.  Hearing Bradley speak of the impact that Joyner-Kersee had on her life will move anyone to tears.

“She saw me,” Bradley said.  “Her believing in me and seeing me gave me the validation that I could do anything I set my mind to – and I feel like I could never give back enough of what she did for me.”

Joyner-Kersee made a name for herself as an Olympic gold medalist, and is widely recognized as the world’s greatest female athlete. She used her platform to become a generational blessing – for her native East St. Louis, the broader community within the region, the country and the world.

Before she met Joyner-Kersee, Bradley might have been counted out by society. She was a student at Lincoln High School, Joyner-Kersee’s alma mater. True to form, Joyner-Kersee was there to inspire the next generation. Bradley, known as Tamika Roddy back then, was on the track team. She wasn’t quite the standout athlete she would later become thanks to Joyner-Kersee’s guidance. Though she did place third in State in the long jump – her hero’s specialty.

She was a resident of the John DeShields Housing Project, the daughter of a single mother who gave birth to her at the tender age of 17. “You walk around and your environment and your circumstances can speak to you in one way and tell you ‘this is all there is,’ or ‘you can only do so much,’” Bradley said. “Having access to her and seeing her be an elite person – not just an elite athlete – is something I just don’t have the words to describe.

She was a role model to her community, especially young Black girls.

“Once you see it, you seek it,” Bradley said. “And then it becomes real.”

With Joyner-Kersee’s inaugural scholarship, Bradley was given $5000 to pursue her studies at Jackson State University in Mississippi, a Historically Black University. But more important than the money was how Joyner-Kersee invested in Bradley’s life with mentorship and support in all areas of her life.

“I could give 10 $5000 scholarships a year – and it still wouldn’t be enough to fully express my gratitude,” Bradley said.

She entered Jackson State as a long jumper who placed third in state. She graduated valedictorian of her class at Jackson State. She was also named SWAC (Southwest Athletic Conference) champion in the long jump. By her senior year, she was the NCAA Woman of the year for the entire state of Mississippi.

“Her believing in me and seeing me gave me the validation that I could do anything I set my mind to,” Bradley said. “That was the origin of me setting out to achieve and be successful. It instilled something in me that I carry on. I feel like I could never give back enough of what she did for me.”

Bradley went on to earn her PHD and spent 20 years as a professor at her college alma mater.  She was an associate dean in JSU’s college of education when she left higher learning to become an entrepreneur in 2020. She founded and operates PDT (Purpose Driven Tamika) Logistics with her husband Richard Bradley.

She is also executive director of two nonprofits. Metro Booming Training Academy provides vocational training to residents of West Jackson, Mississippi – which mirrors East St. Louis with respect to the demographics.

“We’re trying to level the playing field for people who have hope, but are looking for opportunities to have a better quality of life,” Bradley said.
Teach one provides ACT prep, literary support, STEM workshops and professional digital portfolios to students without regular access to educational support and enhancement programming.

Joyner-Kersee serves as a blueprint for Bradley’s life and sense of purpose.

“That’s the lasting impact of her so generously giving of herself,” Bradley said. She’s created a legacy beyond athletics- but she also truly lives up to her name ‘the world’s greatest female athlete,’ but that goes beyond her athletic performance. She truly embodies what it means to be a winner in life.”

Which brought Bradley to the other Bible verse she feels that Joyner-Kersee embodies.

“The harvests are plenty, but the laborers are few. Bradley said, quoting Matthew 9:37. “She is a true laborer. She gets in it and she gives of herself.

It is my hope that she is able to at least feel a fraction of the love and the positivity and encouragement that she has given to others.

I hope that she is able to receive that, because she is beyond deserving.”

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37^th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education will take place at 6 p.m., (5 p.m. reception) on Saturday, October 12^th at America’s center. For more information, visit www.stlamerican.com or call (314) 533-8000.