Our Story
Remembering a son, a brother, and a friend, Meiko Locksley.
The Best Is Ahead Foundation (TBIAF) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2022 with a deep commitment to uplifting youth in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Recognizing the power of education, mentorship, and advocacy, TBIAF leveraged the influence of college athletes’ name, image, and likeness(NIL) to create meaningful opportunities for athletes to serve the community and provide financial, social, and emotional support to those athletes.
As the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) made changes to NIL, our leadership recognized the need to shift from supporting college athletes to focusing on the broader needs within the community. Many of the challenges faced by football players, such as mental health, career transitions, and personal development, were also prevalent among local residents. This realization sparked a transformation in the foundation’s mission from supporting football players to supporting local and national communities.
TBIAF transitioned to a family foundation, honoring our son Meiko. who played football and was lost to gun violence. Meiko was an avid reader who also faced mental health challenges, which led to drug and alcohol abuse.
The transition to a family foundation allowed for a more inclusive approach, where support could be extended beyond football players to encompass various community members. This shift not only enriched the foundation’s impact but also fostered a sense of unity as the organization became a pillar of support for many, promoting overall well-being and resilience in our local community and nationally.
Today, the foundation stands as a testament to the power of adaptation and community dedication, helping not just athletes but everyone striving for a better quality of life. Our vision is clear, we are planning for a better future, today!
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create a safe, supportive environment where every person has the opportunity to thrive, learn, and contribute to a healthier, more compassionate society.
Our pillars below guide us in doing this work.
Gun Violence Education
Literacy Improvement
Drug & Alcohol Education
Mental Health Awareness
"What's Good?"
There were signs that Meiko was not ok. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder then “schizoaffective disorder.” He began to self-medicate in addition to using doctor prescribed medication. He soon had to drop out of college and navigate his new normal. Meiko was killed on Labor Day, September 3, 2017, at the age of 25. He was the victim of gun violence.
The loss of a child is often regarded as one of the most profound and devastating experiences a parent can endure.
This experience has impacted us immeasurably and we want to help others in a way that honors Meiko. Our family has an opportunity to inspire communities that may experience gun violence, have a lack of literacy support, drug and alcohol dependency and mental health concerns through service.
Our love for our son transcends through service. Meiko was always serving others, and that is what TBIAF aspires to accomplish.
“What’s good? Tell me something good!”
This was Meiko’s favorite greeting. We hope to continue depositing good into the earth and our community through TBIAF.”
You Can Help Support Our Work
We’d love to partner with you to help us continue our efforts. Feel free to reach out to us via the form on our contact page, or make a charitable contribution at the button below
