Erick JeanErick Jean, a Haitian-American mentor and dedicated community servant, passed away on September 15, 2010 at age 48. Jean was a graduate of Boston Trade School and a college graduate of Northeastern University. While enrolled at Northeastern, Erick pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Chi Chapter. He remained very active and worked hard to represent the fraternity’s mission and values throughout his community service.
Erick earned his law degree from Suffolk University Law School and became the first Haitian-American to have a law firm in the downtown Boston area. He practiced law for nine years. He started a law firm, Jackson and Jean, one of the premier African-American real estate law firms, servicing banks such as Bank of Boston and Fleet Bank.
“I’ve known Erick since he was a very young man. He was always driven and had such a great spirit!” Riche Zamor, Sr. recalls fondly. “I was very sad to hear the news of his passing – it’s such a big loss to the community.”
Erick was known for giving back to the community, especially with the cause closest to his heart, helping develop and mentor youth. He was a proud and very active member of Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts, a youth mentorship program for at-risk young men.
“Erick loved our youth,” recalled Keith Motley, Chancellor University of University of Massachusetts Boston. “He did everything to help them prepare for a better future – he dedicated himself that mission every day.”
Adler Eliacin, one of the many men touched by Erick’s mentorship shared, “ He was my mentor, a champion for the children of the inner-city. I will miss him dearly.”
Erick is survived by his loving wife Charmane Jean of Brockton, MA; his mother and father, Dieuvenise and Lucien Jacques Jean of Boston, MA; his brother Richard Jean; brother and sister-in-law Ronald Jean and Maria Arroyo of Pawtucket, RI; his sister and brother-in-law Jacqueline and Toussaint Smith of Sugarland, TX; his sister and brother-in-law Kathleen and Reginald Cesar of Acworth, GA; nieces Dominique, Zoe, Gina, Jadzia, Gabrielle, and Zara; nephews, Toussaint, Jr., Kyle, and Daniel along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.