PHOENIX, Ariz. – Mvskoke citizen Jalen Herring is a very busy man year round. Throughout the year he can be found serving the youth at his church, volunteering at various summer camps helping out at local shelters and building community gardens. Herring’s hard work and dedication to his community was recently recognized at a banquet where he was awarded the Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award alongside five other recipients.
When it was first announced that Herring was one of this year’s recipients for the MLK award, he was stunned. Herring was specially chosen by the City of Phoenix Human Commission Board.
“I think it’s always been a very important thing for me to do to give back to where I’m from and improve the lives of other people,” Herring said. “That’s why I push myself to always be out there.”
At the banquet Herring was surrounded by family, including his mother, Patrice Herring. It was a special moment for the Herring family. According to Patrice Herring, Jalen is only the second person under the age of 21 to receive this award.
“They actually don’t normally give it (MLK Living the Dream Award) to young people,” Patrice Herring said. “I was really amazed. I see Jalen and I see how hard he works. Volunteering is something he just wants to do.”
Jalen Herring is currently a freshman at Chandler Gilbert Community College. He is active in the honor society, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the Black Student Union (BSU) and the chess club. Through these organizations and various volunteer opportunities, Jalen Herring remarked that it has allowed him to meet many people, make contacts and form friendships.
Jalen Herring’s Work
Jalen Herring has a large presence in his church, Christ Church of the Valley (CCV) in Laveen. He teaches students about Jesus Christ, mentors them and has even coached in past church sports leagues. At CCV coaches are found on and off the field. They play an important part in encouraging students and providing them with strong role models. Jalen Herring works with ages spanning from the second through sixth grade.
Although Jalen Herring’s schedule can be heavy, it is rewarding.
“I’ve been shocked but he’s been able to juggle everything,” Patrice Herring said. “As his mom it just amazes me because he’s done so many things.”
Jalen Herring still plays the sport he has always been so passionate about: football. He currently plays right guard offensive lineman for the Maricopa Mustangs. This past year the Mustangs came out on top of the league, seven and one. They also won their league championship.
When asked about what advice he would give to others regarding balancing life responsibilities, Jalen Herring said staying on top of things is the key. Even doing simple things like writing out a schedule in a day planner, or adding calendar items in a smartphone can help tremendously.
“Make sure you are an organized person,” Jalen Herring said. “People who are not organized are really going to struggle when they try to take on a lot of different things at different points in time.”
Jalen Herring still has his eyes set on playing professional football one day. His favorite team is the Detroit Lions. One of Jalen’s football heroes is Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, whom he was happy to see win another Super Bowl ring this past season. Jalen Herring has a true love for the sport, regardless if he is playing defense or offense. Although he enjoys watching different teams and players, Jalen Herring wants to one day play for the Dallas Cowboys. Perhaps one day fans may see him play for “America’s team”.
Jalen Herring was also featured in the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. parade in downtown Phoenix, where he held a torch while making the 2.3 mile trek. According to Patrice Herring, it was estimated that over 12,000 people participated in the parade.
The live-streamed celebration where Jalen Herring received the MLK Living the Dream Award can be viewed here. He can be found at the 1:21 mark.