This summer, Stephen Jackson be going global with a mission.

Jackson said he and Grammy Award-winning rhythm and blues singer John Legend will be making a two-week trip to Africa during the Warriors' offseason on behalf of Legend's Show Me Campaign to help fight poverty in small villages on the continent.

"I always wanted to go to Africa, but I didn't just want to go on vacation," Jackson said. "Here's my opportunity to go for a purpose and help somebody, so I'm happy I can do that."

Legend teamed up Friday with Jackson and the Warriors to help promote his cause. Legend sang the national anthem before the Warriors-Rockets game at Oracle Arena and also performed at halftime. Jackson donated $7,500 dollars to the Show Me Campaign, $500 for each of the 15 points he scored in the Warriors' 109-106 loss to the Rockets.

"When I talked to (Legend) on the phone, he said to make sure I got 40 (points)," Jackson joked during a pregame news conference.

"Thirty will do, though," Legend cracked back.

The Warriors have been assiduously working to help Jackson polish his public image. He was forced to serve a seven-game league-imposed suspension at the outset of the season for pleading guilty in Indianapolis to a misdemeanor count of criminal recklessness after firing his gun into the air during an October 2006 altercation.

But to Jackson, this is about much more than just an altruistic photo op or two.
"I know that we have nothing to complain about, considering what they're dealing with out there," Jackson said. "(Jeffrey Sachs' book) really opened my eyes to how unfortunate these people are. I want to be involved in it. When John Legend came around and gave me the opportunity, I just jumped on it."

Legend hopes to get more NBA players and teams to follow in Jackson's footsteps.

"Stephen's a pioneer right now," Legend said. "He's the first one to do it." (Retrieved from NBA.com)


H.H.G.B definitely commends Stephen Jackson for his efforts to fight poverty.