GoodHeart | 13-y-o to handover wheelchairs to three Jamaicans

When 13-year-old Jamaican-Canadian singer, actress and philanthropist Jazmin Headley arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, in November, she will be carrying something far more meaningful than the usual gifts for family and friends. Through her Jazz Me Foundation, Headley will be delivering wheelchairs to three people she met online: Kevin Robinson, a paraplegic author from Clarendon; Jeffery Hutchinson, also known as Andrew, a construction worker from Black River; and six-year-old Odajah Zaniah Bryian, who was born with spina bifida.

“What drives me is knowing I can make a difference,” the young philanthropist explained. “My motto is always – special abilities that need mobility,” Headley told GoodHeart.

Robinson’s story, she said, touched her in a special way. In 1998, at age 16, he was shot in the back while visiting friends in Greenwich Town, Kingston, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Now an author, he travels to May Pen market to sell copies of his book, relying heavily on assistance from others.

“The thing about Kevin Robinson’s story that touched my heart was how he never gave up. [Even though] his dreams were literally taken away from him,” she explained.

Robinson’s electric wheelchair, valued at approximately $1.4 million, has already been shipped to Jamaica and is awaiting delivery during Headley’s November visit. He will also receive a bed hoist, which is expected to make everyday life considerably easier.

“It will allow him to continue being self-employed as an author of his book because he can get around much easier,” she added.

Hutchinson’s determination was equally inspiring. A recent viral video showing him performing construction work from a manual wheelchair caught her attention.

“My heart just moved as his work was twice as hard, as the chair was a regular push chair,” she recalled. “His determination to earn and not let a disability stop him from earning is just the least I can do.”

Headley will provide Hutchinson with a new electric wheelchair.

Started school without wheelchair

And, for young Odajah, the need is different, but equally urgent. Born with spina bifida, she recently started school without a wheelchair. Her family has been physically carrying her. Headley has arranged for her to receive both an electric wheelchair and a regular wheelchair.

The foundation’s work is deeply rooted in lessons learned at home.

“My mom and dad are always shipping food and clothes to Jamaica, so motivation lives in my house,” she said.

Headley laughs when recalling her mother’s stories of growing up in Jamaica, walking barefoot to school and sometimes going without lunch. Those stories, she admitted, have given her an appreciation for the opportunities she enjoys in Canada.

But philanthropy is just one part of the teen’s increasingly busy life. She is also pursuing her musical career, honing her craft with celebrity vocal coach Willie Norwood, father of R&B singer Brandy. Norwood plans to record a new single with Headley in Los Angeles before the end of the year. She also values the encouragement of Jamaican entertainment veterans Bounty Killer and Richie Stephens.

“Rodney and Richie are an extension of my family,” she said, recalling their support during an award-winning music video project.

Aside from the spotlight, Headley enjoys playing volleyball, painting, shopping, reading and spending time with friends. Her intellectual interests are surprisingly ambitious for someone her age.

“I love doing research on communism and socialism. I am currently reading Karl Marx,” she shared. “In university, I see myself studying law. I want to become a judge; however, I’m still young. Politics is now creeping in with the fight for equality.”

Headley is also working toward establishing a learning centre at the Bustamante Hospital for Children in St Andrew, with many supplies already shipped. Previously, she has established Jazmin Headley Corners at the May Pen Hospital, Black River Hospital and KPH.

Despite her accomplishments, she remains an ordinary teenager excited about visiting the island, eating Devon House ice cream and enjoying country life with her cousins.

For Headley, however, the greatest satisfaction comes from helping others. “What keeps me motivated is making a difference. Giving is an ongoing journey and a gift. The more I give, the more I receive,” she said.

goodheart@gleanerjm.com