For Darius Jackson, service isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. With multiple bachelor’s degrees in biology and secondary education and a master’s in education, he began his journey with the American Red Cross as a blood ambassador. While his background made the role a natural fit, the opportunity to educate and empower truly captured his heart. Now, as the regional deputy disaster officer for Alabama and Mississippi, Darius is driven by a purpose greater than his role—he’s here for the people.

Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and progress. For Darius, leadership isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about paving the way for others and amplifying voices that have long been overlooked.

One of his proudest moments at the Red Cross isn’t tied to responding to disasters—it's watching volunteers grow into leadership roles they never imagined for themselves. “When I first came to the Red Cross as a disaster program manager, none of my volunteers wanted to be leaders,” he recalls. “It wasn't until a couple of years ago that a few of them became disaster action team managers and supervisors and, just to really watch them flourish; that's really what I signed up for. I was able to take someone who gives so much care to the community who doesn't care about a title, who doesn't care about any accolade, and over time, because I provided that comfort, that hope to someone who was doing the work, they thought they were able to achieve a leadership role at Red Cross.” To him, that’s what matters most—empowering others to realize their full potential.

However, representation has been both a challenge and a driving force. “When people think of the Red Cross, they often picture Clara Barton, (a White female) our founder, and may not expect to see someone like me in a leadership role,” he reflects. Working in communities that don’t always reflect the diversity of the workforce can be difficult, but he views it as an opportunity. “I leave knowing I’ve helped shift perspectives and redefine what leadership looks like.”

His experiences within the Red Cross haven’t always been seamless. He remembers times when his own community felt overlooked after a disaster, and volunteers he knew were discouraged after joining. These moments fuel his commitment to inclusivity, ensuring every person and community receives the support they deserve. “I think it's important to be able to set the expectations that we can be at the table, and we can also bring meaningful things to the conversation,” he says.

For Darius, this work is about more than responding to crises—it’s about hope and resilience. He believes in collective action. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others,” he says, echoing an African proverb. To him, the Red Cross is more than an organization, it’s a community of caring individuals breaking barriers and building a better future together.

His message to those considering volunteering is simple: “If you want to make an impact, come to the Red Cross.” He believes people don’t join because of the reputation necessarily—they join because they’ve seen the impact firsthand. “I think people come to the Red Cross because they saw someone do something that impacted them or someone they knew,” he says.

Through his leadership, Darius isn’t just changing minds, he’s shaping the future, proving that Black excellence isn’t just about recognition but about action, service and creating lasting change.