Despite his rise to superstardom, Michael B. Jordan has never forgotten his high school alma mater, which he visited back in 2019.
His former drama teacher says the award-winning Oscar nominee was always focused on his craft.
"His work choices, his life choices, all of those things," said Arts High School drama instructor Carl Gonzalez. "He is kingly in what he's doing. And, yeah, you know, those brown eyes haven't changed in the years since. Very deep, very soulful."
Gonzalez says students are inspired by Jordan's success and connection to Newark. Jordan had already broken into the television spotlight while in high school. His humble nature is something many at Arts High appreciated.
"He was such a nice young man," said Arts High School guidance clerk Edith Battles. "And each picture that I went to see him in, he just improved over and over again. And he was nice to everyone. You know, he didn't have airs that he put on. He was nice to everyone."
Despite early success on screen, a young man with that popular name could not help having hoop dreams like the other Michael Jordan. His coach says Michael Bacari Jordan was a gamer.
"I used to teach him, you got to make an investment in yourself for somebody else to make the investment in you," said Jordan's former basketball coach Kinnis Fairfax. "So therefore, he made an investment in himself and he had the support."
That family support was on full display during the recent SAG AFTRA Awards. Jordan saluted his mom and urged kids in Newark to follow their dreams because that's what he did.
"Those guys that were onstage with the awards and the nice suits, being in fancy places... that's what I always wanted, and that kid from Newark, New Jersey is standing here right now," said Jordan at the award show.
Back in 2013, Eyewitness News entertainment reporter Sandy Kenyon asked Jordan about growing up in New Jersey's largest city.
"Regardless of what was going on outside of those four walls, outside of my household, my parents kept me focused," Jordan said to Kenyon.
Michael B. Jordan had a world of supporters rally around him as a student. They are full of pride watching him climb to an Oscar nomination for the dual role as Smoke and Stack in the movie "Sinners." He has left a mark that resonates today.
"And he is, whether he knows it or not, he's giving back as well, because kids see him as a positive role model, and they know where he came from and walking the halls that he walks. So they know they can succeed," said Arts High School basketball coach Prophet Kates.
Jordan's mother was credited with guiding many students at Arts High as a parent liaison. Come Sunday night, her commitment to her son can pay off.
"My first praise is going to be to his mom, Miss Jordan, because she's taking him to lessons," Fairfax said. "She's done everything for him. So my hat off to her for having the confidence.
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