Sober since 1/17/2007, Jackie is a native of Marietta, GA. Until 1974, Cobb County was dry and his family was involved in what were known in the black community as "shot houses" where illegal liqour and many others things could be purchased. They were like convenience stores. He had a learning disability but went to grade and middle in a private Catholic school though neither of his parents were catholic. He did poorly at school. His natural athletic talents were discovered late in high school. He was able to excel at Morris Brown with a full scholarship and spent one preseason with the Seattle Seahawks. Alcoholism did not really kick in until he began to move up in business. He gave up one marriage and a daughter to the disease, hit bottom hard while working a union delivery job. He was allowed to go to Ridgeview in Smyrna, GA and has been clean and sober since. He worked AA Lite until he was compelled to work a thorough 4th and 5th step - then real recovery began.
(40 min) (14 MB) (id#568)