Jada Simone Rankin: A Life of Compassion and Legacy
Jada Simone Rankin was born on April 25, 2001, to Tiawanna and Jimmie Rankin. The youngest of four siblings and the only girl, Jada’s love for learning and helping others showed early. In Head Start, she gained her first taste of stardom, playing Madam C.J. Walker and earning her first star in the preschool Hall of Fame. Her early education continued at Cornerstone Schools on Grove Street in Detroit, where she excelled academically and developed a love for math and reading. By the age of three, Jada already knew her purpose, telling her mother, “I am going to have a legacy for all to do for everyone in the world, Mommy.”
Jada was a social butterfly, drawing people to her with her charisma, wisdom, and caring nature. She had a remarkable ability to light up a room and bring joy and energy to everyone around her. From a young age, she demonstrated extraordinary compassion—helping neighborhood children with homework, setting up a classroom in her grandmother’s basement, teaching girls to sew and cook collard greens, and saving money to provide lunches and hot chocolate for kids in the park. She also extended her kindness to the homeless, buying clean T-shirts and sharing meals with those in need, always offering words of encouragement and hope.
As she grew older, Jada’s dedication to service and excellence continued. She attended Sterling Heights High School and, by her sophomore year, was already working toward her associate degree in nursing. She served as a mentor through the peer-to-peer program, tutoring special education students during her lunch hour. Jada ran for homecoming princess and was awarded the honor posthumously, a testament to the love and respect she earned from her peers.
Tragically, on October 16, 2016, Jada’s life was cut short due to senseless gun violence in Detroit, just outside her grandmother’s home. Though her life was brief, her impact was immeasurable. Jada’s resilience, generosity, and compassion left a lasting mark on her community and inspired the founding of Justice4Jada, a nonprofit dedicated to continuing her legacy—creating safe spaces, supporting early childhood education, fostering mentorship and leadership, and promoting wellness for children, young adults, and families in underserved communities.
Jada’s life reminds us that even the youngest hearts can make a profound difference, and her spirit continues to inspire acts of kindness, leadership, and community service every day.
Vision Statement
We envision strong, healthy communities where every child, youth, and family—regardless of income or circumstance—has access to quality education, mental health support, and the tools needed to reach their full potential. Through community-driven solutions, we strive for a future rooted in equity, wellness, and opportunity for all.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower underserved youth and families by providing holistic support in education, financial literacy, mentorship, youth development, and mental health. Through community-driven programs, trusted relationships, and sustainable resources, we equip individuals with the skills, confidence, and support needed to build healthy, financially stable, and purpose-driven lives.
Upcoming Events
Justice4Jada Home buyer Seminar
Date: March 15th 2026
Location: Church of the Messiah
231. E Grand Blvd Detroit, MI 48207
April 25, 2026 – Jada Rankin’s 25th Birthday Celebration
📍 The Godfrey Hotel
🕖 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
A night of remembrance, love, and purpose celebrating Jada’s life and continued impact.
Jada's Village Clean-up- TBD
Annual Ride4Justice Against Gun Violence
Date: July 18th 2026
Location: Jada Rankin Playground
14000 Lyndon St, Detroit, MI 48227
Our Impact Initiatives
Support
Comprehensive Assistance
Outreach
Education
Engaging the Community
Empowerment Through Learning
We provide support services tailored to the unique needs of individuals and families, including counseling and aid programs. Our aim is to improve overall quality of life while fostering resilience within the community.
We conduct outreach programs aimed at connecting with residents, addressing their needs, and fostering collaboration. Our efforts promote awareness and build trust, creating stronger community bonds and supporting sustainable change.
Our educational initiatives focus on providing training and resources to empower individuals. We offer workshops and skill development programs that equip community members with essential knowledge and tools for personal and professional growth.
In 2017, Justice4Jada was founded in honor of Jada Simone Rankin as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The organization stands with survivors and is committed to supporting communities impacted by violence and poverty, carrying forward Jada Simone Rankin’s legacy of compassion, service, and hope.
Justice4Jada also honors Jada’s memory through programs that empower youth. The Jada Rankin Scholarship recognizes underprivileged students, giving them opportunities Jada herself never had to graduate. The Jada Rankin Prom Experience grants one young lady the prom of her dreams each year, celebrating hope, joy, and achievement in Jada’s honor.
Jada’s life and impact have been recognized by the state and city. In 2016, she was honored with a Special Memorial Tribute from State Representative Harvey Santana, and she received two proclamations from the City of Detroit on April 25, 2000, and April 25, 2001. In 2019, the Detroit City Council and Mayor’s Office renamed Sawyer Playground to Jada Rankin Playground, ensuring her spirit continues to inspire the community.
Meet The Founder
Tiawanna M. Rankin, MA, CPA, Founder & CEO
Justice4Jada Inc
Everytown For Gun Safety Survivor Network
Officially Member of The Detroit Pistons
Moms Demand Action (Michigan Chapter)
End Gun Violence Detroit
Tiawanna Rankin enthusiastic commitment for driving positive community outcomes has found it natural outlet as The CEO of Justice4Jada Inc. Justice4Jada was founded after Tiawanna one and only daughter Jada was murdered to senseless Gun Violence. After her daughter’s death she centered her pain & grief on supporting the well-being of families, individuals and communities been victimized by Gun Violence in The City of Detroit.
Tiawanna didn’t see her daughter’s death as a loss. Instead, she came to realize that Jada was building her own legacy and leaving a powerful impact at such a young age. Jada’s ability to help thousands of people during her short life will never be forgotten.
Jada was tragically murdered at just 15 years old. Despite this unimaginable loss, her mother continues to keep Jada’s legacy alive.
Today, she stands committed, dedicated, and compassionate. and is a passionate gun violence advocate. Above all, she is fully devoted to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Through her leadership, she continues to organize impactful community initiatives such Jada's Promise.
Consistently bringing a fresh and positive perspective to families navigating unimaginable darkness, she is often one of the first to step forward—leading, serving, and uplifting others. She remains directly involved in providing resources, sharing vital information, and empowering families to fight for justice for their loved ones.
Her resilience is a powerful reminder that even in tragedy, purpose can rise and legacy can continue to shine.
Tiawanna has been recognized for her extraordinary leadership and community impact. She received a City of Detroit Proclamation from Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit. She was also honored with the Spirit of Detroit Award from the Detroit City Council. Mothers Of Courage And Conviction Awaree.
In addition, she has been awarded by the Ladies Entrepreneur Empowerment Circle and received the Peace and Justice: A Mother’s Day of Redemption Award in recognition of her advocacy, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice and community empowerment.
These honors reflect not only her strength as a mother, but her powerful influence as a leader and voice for change.
Jada’s Promise Initiative (Justice4Jada) empowers children and families by building strong, connected communities rooted in wellness, education, and opportunity. Guided by compassion and integrity, we create pathways that support growth, resilience, and lasting impact.
