A tribute to kwesi
Genius Reading-Intervention Clinic gives tribute to our lost hero and genius, Kwesi Joel Jacob, Artist, Designer, Mechanical Engineer, Musician, Builder and Entrepreneur. Most importantly, Kwesi loved encouraging children and youth to work hard in school, be innovative, and never give up on their dreams. When you donate to the Genius Clinic, you are helping us give back to the educational causes Kwesi stood for. Additionally, your support will provide books and supplies, for students, and stipends for interventionist who help us achieve our goal of teaching the world to read.
in the loving memory of kwesi
Kwesi was born on December 27, 1980, in Trinidad W.I. to Paul and Wendy Jacob. Kwesi earned his Associate of Arts degree in Graphic Design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in 2001, and went on to work on his BA degree in Fine Arts at Otis College of Art & Design in 2003.
While working on his BA degree in 2003, Kwesi worked as a Graphic Designer for infant clothing and enjoyed producing print samples on manual 4 color screen press. Kwesi was also a free lance artist and consultant before becoming the first graphic designer for Forever 21 stores on the West Coast in 2005.
Forever21Men
Kwesi was a senior designer for 21 MEN, at the Forever 21 stores headquarters in Los Angeles. After joining the company he quickly got promoted to senior designer, a testimony to his extensive knowledge and creativity. During his time at Forever 21, Kwesi designed woven, graphics, prints, packaging, labels and accessories including watches, belts, hats and more. His graphic t-shirts and accessories were often sold in forever21 stores.
HIP HOP INTERNATIONAL
Kwesi was one of the first interviewers of the backstage crews on season one of America’s Best Dance Crews, with actor Randy Jackson, prior to connecting to Hip Hop International. Kwesi represented 21MEN’s attire backstage. Later Kwesi became graphic designer for the entire Hip Hop International show. In 2008, Kwesi designed graphic t-shirts and hoodies for 21 MEN, which were worn by the dance crews. Kwesi’s graphics braced the stages used for competitions, stood proudly on large props in the halls and walkways of the Hip Hop dance show venues and displayed on Las Vegas Boulevard.
2ND FLOOR GENIUS
In 2011 Kwesi started the 2nd floor genius brand. The upside down graduation tassels on the logo he designed, now a registered trademark, represents his love for higher education, however, the financial cost was most often unreachable for himself and others who wanted to achieve his/her truest educational potential. Kwesi saw this as frustrating for society, but not handicapping for his aspirations.
The Genius is on the second floor is an idea Kwesi envisioned for his clothing concept while working on the second floor of a Los Angeles office building. Embedded with knowledge of design, mood, movement, and the expansion of people. Kwesi, “The genius" always wanted to share ideologies, and include all people of every stature and heritage in his visions and designs. Kwesi once stated, he could see all from his position, one floor above, one level above the competition. It is from these memories and love of Kwesi the foundation of Genius Reading-Intervention Clinic was imagined.
Genius Reading-Intervention Clinic INC., encourages you to support our students and provide opportunities for families and individuals who all dear to dream, or reach their truest potentials, but do not have the courage or resources to financially support themselves or families. Genius Reading-Intervention Clinic INC. is here to help lift those who dear to dream of a brighter future.
