About

MJAF logo

About

The Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation is a community service organization in Brooklyn, New York. The Foundation provides support and comfort to victims of gun violence and their families. In addition, the foundation partners with local community organizations to provide support and healing through memorials, events, and coronavirus-related aid.

The Melquain Jatelle Anderson Memorial Scholarship and Emergency Fund supports undergraduate students in their studies and through emergencies at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

The Scholarship and Fund are in honor of the memory of Melquain Jatelle Anderson, a Brooklyn Knight and John Jay Student. He worked throughout his life to help young men attain their education, and was dedicated in all ways to supporting the community. Melquain touched the lives of everyone he knew. The Scholarship and Fund are part of his continued legacy. The Fund is also called Fighting4U, in honor of its social justice mission.

Join us on May 22 in Albany!

Join us on May 22 as we travel to Albany to advocate for Mel’s Law, which would provide posthumous degrees to CUNY and SUNY students killed by gun violence. Learn more in our legislative activity section.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide social justice and civic engagement  initiatives that promote public and environmental safety and bring communities together.  We mentor, encourage, and engage individuals to enroll in educational and community programs.  We provide healing and wellness activities for families and members of the communities affected by gun violence.

Recent Events

Congrats to our 2022 scholarship recipients, Michael Gulston, Justin Wallace Jean, and Shana Iverson Tomlin!

we can end gun violence wear orange logo

Everytown for Gun Safety has awarded MJAF a Wear Orange Grant for Community Environmental Beautification. We will use the grant to launch a Decompressing Center for students at Fort Greene Preparatory Academy this June, which is gun violence awareness month. This joins our Disrupting the Hate Mural Project.

The Sky Has Caring Eyes

Our founder, Michelle Barnes-Anderson, has published a book called The Sky Has Caring Eyes, a way to discuss death with small children. Proceeds will directly benefit MJAF.

Buy the book here.

A book cover with a smiling black girl and a smiling cloud with
The cover of the book.


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Office door with MJAF logo
Our new office space in Brooklyn!

OSHA Training and Drywall Installation Program

We’re excited to offer a five-day OSHA Training and Drywall Installation Program. See the flyer below or contact Dorian at 347-299-8557 for more info.

MJAF is offering a five-day OSHA Training and Drywall Installation Program 4/17-4/21 9-5pm. Contact Dorian at 347-299-8557 for more info.