10 Within 10 Recognition

College: The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions 

As the first-ever Unified Champion City Schools coordinator for Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI), Jamar manages 100 DPSCD schools and one private school. He works with teachers, administrators and students to create inclusive atmospheres within schools and communities. He is described by those who know him best as “a good human.”

Jamar is driven by his personal experience on how to create inclusive learning environments for all students who go to school in an underserved school district. His impact goes beyond his title, and he has quickly gained accomplishment both in Special Olympics Michigan and with his colleagues across the country.

He created the first Unified high school basketball league in Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) history. Unified Basketball was part of the DPSCD Public School League Championships for the first time ever in the history of the tournament (since 1904).

Jamar is looked up to as a mentor by the students in DPSCD and has earned the trust of the staff, creating more opportunities for students with and without disabilities to come together to form friendships and shine when they support each other. He has turned DPSCD and SOMI into national leaders.

As a former student-athlete Jamar stays in touch with CMU’s track and field program, and he did his master's research on creating sustainable sporting events throughout a pandemic in 2021.