{"id":344204,"date":"2026-07-18T03:21:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T03:21:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/344204\/"},"modified":"2026-07-18T03:21:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T03:21:09","slug":"pain-into-purpose-jacksonville-mother-launches-foundation-in-honor-of-son-killed-at-burger-king","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/344204\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Pain into purpose’: Jacksonville mother launches foundation in honor of son killed at Burger King"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Jacksonville mother is launching a nonprofit in honor of her 18-year-old son, who was shot and killed after trying to break up a fight at Burger King.<\/p>\n

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 A Jacksonville mother is launching a nonprofit in honor of her 18-year-old son, who was shot and killed after trying to break up a fight at a local Burger King.<\/p>\n

Natasha Jackson said Matthew\u2019s Legacy of Light Foundation will focus on gun violence prevention, mental health awareness, scholarships and helping teens who want to pursue military service.<\/p>\n

Jackson said staying involved in the community helps her cope with the loss of her son, Matthew Jackson, a Riverside High School senior who was killed Nov. 22 while on the clock at a Jacksonville Burger King.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo keep me going, going out into the community and giving back is really, it makes me feel I’m closer to my son that way,\u201d Jackson said.<\/p>\n

She said the past eight months has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and she’s taking it day by day.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy daily routine has been knocked off because I’m missing my baby,\u201d Jackson said. \u201cHe was the one who would text me all the time, check on me all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jackson said launching the foundation, which was approved by the state of Florida in June, is her way of honoring her son\u2019s memory.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt exists so I can turn this tragedy, basically my pain into purpose,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Jackson said the nonprofit\u2019s mission is to speak out against gun violence and raise mental health awareness.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really not the gun, it\u2019s the person behind the gun,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She also wants the foundation to help Duval County students pursue higher education and military service.<\/p>\n

Jackson said she hopes to offer $5,000 scholarships for students heading to four-year schools and $2,500 for those going to two-year schools. She also wants to help teens with ASVAB prep, paperwork and other resources needed to enlist.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to take care of the babies who are trying to change their lives,\u201d Jackson said.<\/p>\n

Jackson said the foundation is also teaming up with other nonprofits for a back-to-school event next weekend.<\/p>\n

The event will feature free school supplies, music and food starting at noon July 25 and will run until supplies are gone. It will be held at 6750 Wiley Road and is being hosted by YGB Sports Mentor Program, SWS Foundation Inc. and Kelly\u2019s Kids.<\/p>\n

\u201cBaby, this is just the beginning,\u201d Jackson said. \u201cIt’s just the beginning. I will keep your name alive, I promise you that.\u201d<\/p>\n

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