Malik Jackson, former member of the Marching Storm Drumline (MSD) is a shining example of how our alumni leave Prairie View and go on to do great things! Malik attending Prairie View from 2014 -2019 and performed in the Marching storm from 2014 – 2017. When asked why he chose the Marching Storm, Malik responded, “For me being a percussionist, I looked up to the B.O.X understanding that they were innovators and set the standard in the HBCU percussion world. My decision became even easier after I auditioned and met the band staff and they all made me feel like family.” Malik is currently the Director of Fine Arts for  George Crockett Academy and the Director of the Mighty Rockets Percussion Ensemble. These young performers perform for school events as well as community events in the city of Detroit, Michigan, and in other states, as well.

In addition to his work at George Crockett Academy Malik has been recognized with the honor of being selected for the Michigan Chronicle 40 under 40. If that wasn’t enough, he is also an author! Malik has penned the book, “Give the Drummer Some”. His book can be purchased at https://www.mentorscope.org/give-the-drummer-some?.  Be sure to check out his new book!

Read more about Malik’s journey from performer to mentor.

How did your time at PV and in the Storm influence your decision to venture into working with young people? 

The storm taught me how to fight through anything, which I attempt to instill in to my students. Also, with the storm you have to learn how to come together and work as a team with people from all walks of life which has prepared me to deal with students that have different struggles.

What are some of your most well-known accomplishments with your group?

One of the most well know things that I have accomplished with my group is each year we go on a HBCU college tour which is opening their eyes to opportunities which they never could imagine.

What are some of the things you learned performing with the Storm that you use today? 

Through Dr. Zach, I was afforded the opportunities to be apart of the Summer High School camps and the Summer Bridge Program, and through that he allowed me to learn the business side of operating a marching band. He has taught me the financial responsibilities that come with the position. Twenty percent deals with the music and 80% deals with the business.

Being that you graduated from PV when you did, has it been easy working in this new era of social media and influencing? Why or why not? 

Since Graduating in 2019 I feel that working with this era of social media has been easy due to the ability to bring your product to the masses as well as the ability to collaborate with other brands and organizations.

What advice would you give young hbcu band members about transitioning to the working world?

One piece of advice that I would give is to stay true to you principles and character and always remember there will always someone looking up to you.

What things do you have coming up that we should be on the lookout for?

 My program will be taking our annual HBCU trip to the Battle of the Bay this Fall; Norfolk State vs Hampton university. We will continue our usual performance events both in the community and in other states. I am always looking for opportunities for our students that will broaden their perspectives.

More information will be on our social media platforms: GCA Mighty Rockets.

You can follow Malik Jackson on Instagram at @mj_greatness.