Stephen Jesse Jackson (born April 5, 1978) is an American retired professional basketball player who played 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Jackson was born in Port Arthur, Texas and spent his childhood there.[1] Growing up, Jackson was raised by his mother, Judyette, a single parent who worked two jobs.[2] As a teenager, Jackson worked in his grandfather's soul food restaurant in Port Arthur, where he would wash dishes and bus tables.[3] At the age of 16, Jackson's half