Today we’d like to introduce you to Shontasha Shaw.
Hi Shontasha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory
On March 14, 2018, my son Jailun Hunter and I met at the Art Institute of Dallas to sign his 4-year scholarship to receive his Bachelors in Music, and in 20 minutes everything that he worked so hard to achieve…was selfishly taken away.
Jailun at the age of 14, discovered his love of music and not only became the family’s favorite DJ, but also became known in Dallas, Austin and Houston,Texas as “DJ 2 Live”. Jailun’s dream was to become a famous DJ, a radio Dj, like his mentor, DJ Kayotic on 97.9 the beat. On March 14, he took the first step in accomplishing his goal. After we completed the signing, we stood on the steps, took pictures, and talked about his future, and I told him how proud I was of him, and how he would be the first to graduate from college in our family. We departed the campus at 6:36 pm, but unfortunately, God had other plans… at 6:56 pm (just 20 minutes later) Jailuns life was cut short by an irresponsible drugged driver. During many celebrations of life, his peers shared stories of how he uplifted, encouraged and inspired many to follow their dreams… and almost three years later, the Jailun Hunter Foundation has been birthed and built on the foundation that Jailun laid before leaving. The Jailun Hunter Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that will offer economically disadvantaged children the opportunity to further their education by providing them with scholarships to obtain their dreams, just as Jailun wanted but never had the opportunity to for fill.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The challenges are daily… sometimes by the minute. Suffering a loss is never easy… but suffering the lose of a child is an indescribable pain. Although its hard for me, my heart aches for his older brother and sister. They were close, and had plans on becoming famous, and now they are left to continue the marathon without him. His brother has picked up the baton and is now Dj-ing as he did not want his brothers legacy to end, and his sister is a well known makeup artist in the DFW area. They are doing all they can to make their baby brother proud of them, as I know he is.
One of the biggest struggles, that any non profit faces, is being able to for fill the mission financially, and this is where we need the help of businesses and the community. We are seeking to develop and build relationships with businesses in our community that are willing to partner with us to support programs for marginalized youth. We do hope you will see the value in supporting our mission to build on the strengths of children, youth and families so they find safety, hope and success in life. Our vision of offering equitable opportunities and scholarships to graduating seniors will positively impact their development well into their adulthood and will empower them to pursue and achieve their personal goals. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit the website (www.jhfoundation.net) to do so, and you will also find ways to contact us if you are looking for other ways to donate, volunteer, or in need of services.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an entrepreneur who teaches families about financial security, but my passion now is to ensure that Jailun’s legacy continues by Uplifting, Inspiring and Encouraging at-risk youth in our community. After losing Jailun, I did not think I would be able to smile again, at times I didn’t want to breathe, but one day after a conversation with Jesus and Jailun, and me clearly hearing God speak to me about why he needed Jailun, I began to gain a new strength, and think of ways I could continue what Jailun started. His legacy was too meaningful and purposeful for me to allow it to end. The Jailun Hunter Foundation will change the lives of many of our youth, by giving them the opportunity to further their education, in addition to that, we are also here to mentor them. In today’s world, especially with Covid,our youth are battling depression, lack of a social life, and problems at home,we have a committee of educated and caring individuals who are prepared to help them find hope and healing.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Well… let me see… since my childhood wasn’t that long ago (lol) it shouldn’t be difficult for me to think of a childhood memory… lol. I would have to say the holidays, Holidays were always specials, not just because of the gifts, but now that I’m older, I cherish the memories, and value the time spent with family. I remember the excitement of putting up the tree, listening to Christmas music, the smell of holiday food, visits from family, baking cookies… but mostly all the people I love were still here. Holidays are different now, and unfortunately… they will never be the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jhfoundation.net
- Instagram: jh.foundation
- Facebook: Jailun Hunter Foundation
