Dr. Chere M. Goode is a Baltimorean who fathoms the importance of embracing life to the fullest, regardless of age. On August 22, 2020, her beloved son, Jordan Alexander Cofield was involved in a tragic motorcycle accident that occurred on Interstate 795 in Owings Mills, Maryland. At just 20 years old, Cofield was killed instantly upon losing control of a motorcycle.
The multi-talented athlete who was known for his bright smile was Morgan State University’s starting wide receiver. He balanced majoring in business management, becoming a Dean’s list scholar, track team membership, and diligently working on his dream of playing professional football. Cofield was an NFL Draft Diamond who was already close to seizing his ultimate wish. The NFL had Cofield on their radar as a draft prospect.
“Jordan was a true go-getter. Anything that he wanted, he went after,” Goode said. “He would go to practice on the field, even when there was no school. Jordan was an athletic individual, and he was determined to make his dreams come to reality. It’s so unfortunate that his life got cut short.”
Jeffrey Cofield, Jordan’s father, passed away after his son’s death. Goode wanted to ensure that Jordan’s legacy would not die.
“I didn’t want the legacy that he created in such a short period of time to go to waste, so that’s what made me start the Jordan Alexander Cofield Foundation, Inc. It’s a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that’s geared towards improving and enriching lives,” Goode said. “We do that by means of different initiatives such as the Jordan Alexander Cofield Scholarship Fund, which is meant to encourage youth who are scholastic, but also athletes, to keep pursuing their dream without the worry of money. The goal is to provide six $5,000 scholarships annually in Jordan’s honor.”
An inaugural foundation gala and fundraiser was held on Saturday, August 20, 2022 in Pikesville, Maryland. Goode said that local student athletes who are attending an HBCU in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia must have a 3.0 GPA to apply for a scholarship.
“We haven’t reached our first goal of $30,000 annually, but we will be awarding the first scholarships this year,” Goode said.
Goode added that the foundation’s board is deciding whether all the money for the first scholarship will be awarded to one student or divided amongst multiple students.
“Doing this gives me purpose. It makes sure that my son is never forgotten because he contributed such a large amount to this world in his 20 years that he was here, but it also is just adopting his way,” Goode said, mentioning that Jordan was a kind individual.
The Adopt-A-Highway Initiative is another manner of honoring Jordan. Goode explained that the adopted area spans from Reisterstown Rd. and Kingsley Rd. to Reisterstown Rd. and Franklin Blvd.
“We clean that annually four times a year. So, we get volunteers, and we keep the area clean,” Goode said.
Another initiative called Jordan’s Way, which is a random act of kindness initiative, has been underway for over a year. Goode mentioned that individuals do a random act of kindness for someone. Participants pass along information about Jordan and how donations can be made to the scholarship fund.
Dr. Cheryl Wood is Jordan’s aunt and Goode’s sister who serves as vice president of the Jordan Alexander Cofield Foundation, Inc. She remarked that Jordan began his legacy creation when he was alive.
“So, for me, it’s such a pivotal reminder for people in the community,” Wood said. “Start your legacy now. Live the legacy now, so that if for some reason something happened, and you’re no longer here, that legacy can continue, and it can continue to make an impact.”
Goode added that experiencing a sudden loss “makes you reevaluate your life and how you are living every day.” She encourages others to appreciate each day, forgive freely, and pursue everything that you want today.
“Surround yourself with positive people who want to see you win or who want to support your journey,” Goode said. “Know that it’s a roller coaster ride, but eventually the ride does slow down.”
The nonprofit’s board is working on the scholarship application for applicants. It is expected to be available on the website in October. Sponsors for the next gala, volunteers to clean the roadway, and scholarship donations are also being sought. Visit https://jacfoundationinc.com to learn more about the Jordan Alexander Cofield Foundation, Inc.