about us
Breaking down barriers, building up potential
Building the Next Legacy is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting inner-city children who have been impacted by gun violence. Our primary objective is to foster the personal and academic growth of our youth by providing them with scholarships, mentorship, and life skills training. Our mission is to empower these youth with the tools they need to adapt to their environment and overcome adversity, as they prepare to become the next generation of leaders and legacy builders.
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Academic development
leadership & communication
life skills & practical education
meet our founder
Jonathan Dorest is the visionary Founder and Owner of Building the Next Legacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and mentorship opportunities to underprivileged youth impacted by gun violence. Jonathan is a seasoned educator with over six years of experience teaching a range of subjects and age groups. He is currently a 9th and 10th-grade English teacher at West Charlotte High School, where he also serves as the coach of the varsity football linebackers and special teams, as well as the indoor and outdoor track speed trainer. Previously, Jonathan taught Pre-K, toddlers, and 3rd-grade math at Movement Charter School.
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Through Building the Next Legacy, Jonathan has spearheaded numerous initiatives to support the community of Charlotte, including donating over 600 free backpacks filled with school supplies over the last three back-to-school drives, and distributing over 50 pairs of brand-new shoes to students and youth in the inner city during the annual shoe drive.
Jonathan is a proud college graduate of North Carolina Central University, where he majored in Child Development Family Relations with a minor in Human Science. Currently, he is pursuing a Master's degree in Education at the University of Charlotte, where he continues to build on his passion for education and community empowerment.
meet the team
Jerelle Boyd
Jerelle, the owner of New Life Restoration Investment Group, is a passionate advocate for children in the Charlotte communit. Through generous monetary support, he sponsors students' tuition for the summer camp, ensuring that they have access to educational opportunities and memorable experiences including trips and nutritious lunches
Jasmine guy
Ms. Guy is a graduate of North Carolina Central University where she received her Bachelors in Family and Consumer Sciences and was captain of the Varsity Cheerleading team. She also both a JV and Varsity cheerleader at West Charlotte H.S where she served as Captain. In her early years, she competed in Allstar Cheerleading with Carolina Allstars for many Years.
LATOYA CRUMP
LaToya, an educator with a decade-long commitment to teaching, is driven by a passion for empowering black and brown scholars. She currently serves as a Grade Level Lead at Movement Charter while pursuing a Birth-Kindergarten Education degree at Western Governors University. LaToya believes in showing students that hard work, determination, and unwavering support can make anything possible.
Landis martin II
Landis, has a deep passion for working with children and giving back to youth through various initiatives. With a background in sports and attending various camps, he experienced the positive impact of peer and mentorship. Landis has served in the US Army and established two successful businesses, As a father himself, he understands the importance of being a role model and providing the necessary tools for children to succeed.
Jahwan Edwards
Jahwan Edwards, a lifelong sports enthusiast, discovered his passion for football at an early age. His remarkable achievements include numerous MVPS in little league and high school, breaking rushing and touchdown records at Ball State University, and earning an invitation to the prestigious NFL combine. He understands the importance of accountability, teamwork, and commitment, values that he seeks to instill in young men.
Our partners
