Detroit Edison Public School Academy to Retire Rickea Jackson's Jersey in Honor of Her Incredible Journey

Celebrating Excellence and Legacy: The Retirement of Rickea Jackson's Jersey

On December 23, 2025, Detroit Edison Public School Academy (DEPSA) will hold a significant event to honor Rickea Jackson, a remarkable athlete and WNBA star. This ceremony will mark the retirement of her jersey, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the school's basketball program and her storied career. The event will take place during halftime of the women's varsity basketball game against Grosse Pointe South at the DEPSA gymnasium, commencing around 6:45 PM.

Jackson's journey is one of inspiration and triumph. She is celebrated as the most decorated alumna of DEPSA and made history as the first graduate of a Michigan charter school to play in the WNBA. Her achievements include being a three-time MHSAA Class C state champion, winning Michigan’s Miss Basketball award in 2019, and being drafted fourth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

During her time in college at Mississippi State and Tennessee, Jackson showcased her exceptional talent on the court, earning multiple First-Team All-SEC selections. As a professional player, she made immediate waves in the WNBA, being named to the 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team. Jackson's impressive performance of averaging 13.4 points per game and becoming the first player from her draft class to score 1,000 career points highlights her impact on the league. Additionally, she made headlines by becoming the first WNBA player to sign an endorsement deal with Skechers.

The event, themed "Celebrating Excellence, Legacy, and Inspiration," underscores her influence beyond basketball. Ralph Bland, Founder and CEO of New Paradigm for Education, articulated her significance, stating, "At New Paradigm for Education, our mission is to prepare students for success in college and in life, and Rickea Jackson embodies that mission. Her jersey will remind students daily that where you start does not define where you can go." This sentiment was echoed by former DEPSA coach Monique Brown, who remarked on the profound role Jackson plays as a source of motivation for young women.

The retirement ceremony will be open to the public, allowing community members to join in this historic moment. Following the game’s tip-off at 6:00 PM, attendees can expect a video tribute highlighting Jackson's career, culminating in the reveal of her retired jersey, which will be raised to the rafters as a lasting symbol of her legacy. This event not only honors Jackson but serves as an inspiration for current and future students at DEPSA, reinforcing the notion that dreams can be realized through hard work and dedication.

Conclusion

The retirement of Rickea Jackson's jersey is a momentous occasion for DEPSA, the athletes, and the entire community. It serves as a testament to Jackson's exceptional career and her role in paving the way for future generations. As we gather to celebrate her legacy, let us be inspired to reach for greatness, no matter where we start.