Future Black History Makers: Meet Jackson O'Neal, a first-grader at Armstrong Elementary

Jackson Duke O'Neal, 6, the son of George and Shaneka O'Neal, is in first grade at Armstrong Elementary School.

He was nominated as a Fayetteville Observer Future Black History Maker because "Jackson aka Duke is a very musical and athletic 6-year-old child," writes his mom, Shaneka O'Neal, who nominated him. "From the age of 2 months, he started playing the drums and has not stopped yet. He can follow anyone singing or playing music, on the drums. He even plays for his church's youth choir. He excels in sports because he plays baseball, football and soccer. This year he played coach pitch baseball and hit it over the fence, which was the first time that had ever happened ... this was also his first year playing football and he was the quarterback and running back and he has scored two or more touchdowns in every game. The night before the games, he would get my phone and look up videos of how to catch a flag or kids playing flag football and he would sit there and study it. At school, his teacher told me that every day during recess, you can find him on the basketball court by himself practicing. ... He has a great personality and big heart. Music and sports are his life. I feel anything he does is going to make a positive change in the world."

Here's what else you should know about Jackson.

All about Jackson

What's your favorite subject in school? P.E. and math.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A policeman.

Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do for fun? I like to play the drums, basketball, football, baseball and read.

What are you really good at doing? I am good at reading, playing the drums, playing basketball, football and baseball.

What's your favorite thing about yourself? My heart because Jesus lives in there.

Who is your role model? Ja Morant.

If you could meet any famous person, who would it be and why? Ja Morant because he is a good basketball player.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? NBA game because I have never been to one before.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it? Shoot spider webs out my hand so I can swing through the air.

What's your favorite movie or TV show? "Sing"

If you could eat one thing every day, what would it be? Reese's cups.

See the full list: Meet our 29 Future Black History Makers of Fayetteville for 2024

What his parents say

What makes your child a Future Black History Maker? His innate ability to grasp knowledge and apply it to his everyday life at such a young age amazes us as a family and anyone he meets. He leaves a lasting impression.

Why are you proud of your child? We are proud of him because he is a true believer and believes anything he puts his mind to, he can do and takes initiative to research his personal interest. We love how he loves his family and loves his crafts. He's a self-taught drummer, since the age of 24 months, who served as the youth drummer at his church. He is a hard worker and doesn't want or like to let others down. He's just an overall great kid.

Responses have been edited for style and grammar.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville Future Black History Makers: Meet Jackson O'Neal