A Man of Many Interests
To tell the story of Janfrey, you must look at the man beyond work. He was a man of many interests who believed in his community. He supported youth and wanted the best for his children and all children. He was a Founder of Pop Myles Athletic Club that kept kids off the street and sent boxers to the Olympics. He taught Fencing at SIU-Edwardsville. He was a jazz aficionado that loved Miles Davis and all things jazz. He supported the local jazz scene, was known by the local artists and hopped from one jazz club to the next to catch the next set. He financially supported the East St. Louis Lincoln Jazz Band on their European tour and then went along as a chaperone.
In his early adulthood, Janfrey was an artist. He painted on canvas and did Assemblages that included a variety of materials – metal, wood and more that he welded into different art pieces that made statements. Through his art he experimented with gravity and balance in his piece called “Cancer in the 13th House.” In another piece called “A Black Man’s Tablet”, he shows the complexities and obstacles that a black man encounters on the road to success. Each of his art pieces represents his curiosity and his journey as he challenged himself to bring his imagination to life through art. With his interest in art, he was a Founding Member of the East St. Louis Artist Guild that put local artists’ work on display and a spotlight on the importance of art in our community.
Janfrey was a Founder and first President of the United Black Contractor’s Association where this organization was founded to train black men in the crafts. He was also involved with the Comprehensive Education Commission that was formed in 1975 to plan, coordinate, implement and/or monitor educational program(s) adequate to meet the needs of East St. Louis residents from ages of birth through senior citizenhood. Among other things that impacted education in East St. Louis, this commission was influential in the following campuses being built - State Community College and Southern Illinois University - East St. Louis.
By the time he retired, he had been working for over 60 years. During this time, he adhered to the family philosophy that was instilled in him at a young age – just do it the right way. He also stayed committed to making sure minority craftsmen were trained and employed throughout his career.
Janfrey was an avid reader of everything. When he didn’t know, he found a book and learned. Janfrey’s pride and joy were his family and he shined when he talked about his grandchildren – Gabrielle, Louis, Xavier and Alexis.
Last, but not least, Janfrey was an accidental historian. Because he kept the records, we’re able to tell this story that highlights him, East St. Louis, his love of the city and the impact that the Preston Family has had on East St. Louis.
A Man of Many Interests
To tell the story of Janfrey, you must look at the man beyond work. He was a man of many interests who believed in his community. He supported youth and wanted the best for his children and all children. He was a Founder of Pop Myles Athletic Club that kept kids off the street and sent boxers to the Olympics. He taught Fencing at SIU-Edwardsville. He was a jazz aficionado that loved Miles Davis and all things jazz. He supported the local jazz scene, was known by the local artists and hopped from one jazz club to the next to catch the next set. He financially supported the East St. Louis Lincoln Jazz Band on their European tour and then went along as a chaperone.
In his early adulthood, Janfrey was an artist. He painted on canvas and did Assemblages that included a variety of materials – metal, wood and more that he welded into different art pieces that made statements. Through his art he experimented with gravity and balance in his piece called “Cancer in the 13th House.” In another piece called “A Black Man’s Tablet”, he shows the complexities and obstacles that a black man encounters on the road to success. Each of his art pieces represents his curiosity and his journey as he challenged himself to bring his imagination to life through art. With his interest in art, he was a Founding Member of the East St. Louis Artist Guild that put local artists’ work on display and a spotlight on the importance of art in our community.
Janfrey was a Founder and first President of the United Black Contractor’s Association where this organization was founded to train black men in the crafts. He was also involved with the Comprehensive Education Commission that was formed in 1975 to plan, coordinate, implement and/or monitor educational program(s) adequate to meet the needs of East St. Louis residents from ages of birth through senior citizenhood. Among other things that impacted education in East St. Louis, this commission was influential in the following campuses being built - State Community College and Southern Illinois University - East St. Louis.
By the time he retired, he had been working for over 60 years. During this time, he adhered to the family philosophy that was instilled in him at a young age – just do it the right way. He also stayed committed to making sure minority craftsmen were trained and employed throughout his career.
Janfrey was an avid reader of everything. When he didn’t know, he found a book and learned. Janfrey’s pride and joy were his family and he shined when he talked about his grandchildren – Gabrielle, Louis, Xavier and Alexis.
Last, but not least, Janfrey was an accidental historian. Because he kept the records, we’re able to tell this story that highlights him, East St. Louis, his love of the city and the impact that the Preston Family has had on East St. Louis.
