Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, 1959–64

Rollins College, Masters of Science, Criminal Justice/Police Science, 1976 – 78

During Florida A&M football’s dynasty years under Coach Jake Gaither in the late 1950s and early 60s, Whitfield Jenkins was an integral part of two Black College National Championships.

He played tight end on those heralded teams that sent scores of players to the professional ranks, including Bob “Crow” Hayes, the Olympic world record holder and Dallas Cowboys no. 1 pick who became the first Rattler to be enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame.

The Beginning of a Life of Service

Following his football career, he shared with me his avid participation in the Civil Rights era when he became a protégé of the NAACP organization in his native Marion County and hometown of Ocala, Florida.

He was an educator in the Marion County Public Schools, an adjunct professor of criminal justice at the College of Central Florida, and a dedicated officer within the Florida Department of Corrections.

He also held leadership roles with the Ocala Housing Authority and the NAACP, both locally and statewide.

He leaves behind his wife of more than 50 years, Loretta Pompey-Jenkins, a past president of the local Marion County NAACP branch, daughter Rose Jenkins, and son Dr. Jaiya John.

His Career Ledger

He was a giant among his peers in Ocala and championed many causes.

Among his numerous services were the following:
Member, Liberation Ocala African American Council, Inc. 2016
Commissioner, Florida Commission On Human Relations 1988-2000
Commissioner, Ocala Housing Authority 1988-2000
President, Marion County Branch – NAACP, 1984-1996
3rd & 1st vice-president, Florida State Conference-NAACP, 1985-2003
Member, Board of Directors—Ocala\Marion County United Way, 1984-88
Member, Board of Directors-Ocala\Marion County Boys & Girls Club, 2005-2015
President & Board of Director—Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation, 1994-2010
President, Ocala Lease Housing Corporation, 1990-2006
President & Board of Directors, Florida A&M University National Rattler “F” Club, Inc. 1988-present
President-Liberation, Ocala African American Council, 2016–
President & Board of Directors, Marion County African American Council (1986-2007)
Board of Director- Florida Leadership Forum, 2000-
Board of Directors—Harry T. Moore Scholarship Fund, Inc., 1986-2016
President & Board member, Fessenden School Alumni Association, Inc., 2002-
Vice Chairman, Florida State Conference, NAACP Economic Committee, 2012-14
Chairman, Marion County Branch, NAACP Economic Development Committee, 2013-14
Board of Directors—Ocala/Marion County Hospice, 2014-2015
Member, Board of Directors—Black College Sports & Education Foundation, Inc. 2016 –
Take Stock in Students’ Mentoring—Marion County School District
Member, Awake Marion
Member, Bridges Project On Race

The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. spearheaded the name designation on the street where he resided, “Whitfield Jenkins Road,” in Ocala, Florida.

This commemorates a long life devoted to civil rights, community leadership, and educational advancement. For over five decades, his tireless advocacy for voter empowerment, social equity, and human justice has left an indelible impact on Ocala, Marion County, and the entire state of Florida.