'Jam Man' dedicates talents & time to helping those in need

By Lauren Zaepfel

Fourteen-year-old Remzi Yates III of Lewiston – aka “Jam Man” – stays active by dedicating his time to the interests he loves, including kickboxing, MMA fighting, wrestling, writing and, most notably, helping others.

Indeed, throughout his young life, the current ninth-grader at Niagara Wheatfield High School has been initiating and overseeing many charitable projects across the Western New York community.

Whether through his school or gym, Remzi has organized fundraisers, toy drives and tournaments to support places he is passionate about, including children’s hospitals and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

It all began when he visited New York City at age 4.

“While I was exploring Times Square, I remember seeing a woman who was obviously homeless and she was sobbing,” Remzi said. “I knew that was wrong and I felt so much for her.”

That moment changed the trajectory of Remzi’s life.

His father, Remzi Yates II (whom Remzi said is his best friend and biggest source of inspiration), explained his son began giving to others at a very young age.

“One year, he got Christmas money and wanted to purchase Fortnight V-Bucks (to use for the game’s characters), but then he said, ‘Dad, it’s kind of silly for me to get clothes for video game people when there’s real people who could use money,’ ” Yates said.

Senior said he would match the money his son donated to purchasing warm clothes for the homeless. Together, they purchased 100 pairs of gloves and 100 hats, and handed them out to people in need at various local homeless shelters.

They repeated this process over the years while also expanding their efforts to other areas of the community.

“One year, he adopted a family who had a tragedy and bought their Christmas presents for them,” Yates said.

Remzi Yates III drops off pizza for local police during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Another year, Remzi donated 50 trays of pizza to police officers of the Town of Niagara and the City of Niagara Falls to thank them for their service.

In addition to his charitable efforts, Remzi grew up meeting some of the world’s biggest bands and eventually interviewing them, alongside his father, on his own journalist endeavors.

Remzi has interviewed members of Black Sabbath, Guns N’ Roses and many other famous bands and musicians.

“It really got me out of my shell,” he said.

Today, Remzi continues to interview artists, posting his work on his website, rockingwithjamman.com, and sharing more about his various endeavors on Instagram @rockingwithjamman, which currently boasts 37,000 followers.

One of his latest projects combines his passion for helping others and his love for writing and includes a series of books he wrote and sells on Amazon.

All proceeds earned from his book sales will be donated to organizations he carefully selected, including the Patricia Allen Fund, benefiting John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital; WNY Heroes, which supports local veterans; and the SPCA.

When asked why he chose these causes specifically, Remzi explained he felt deeply for the people and animals they help, putting himself in their shoes.

In regard to those benefiting from the Patricia Allen Fund, Remzi explained he “felt awful” for children battling cancer: “In my eyes, I have so much in front of me and to have that be taken away from me would be devastating.”

In regard to WNY Heroes, Remzi said, “some of these people are mentally ill and don’t know what to do. Some are recovering drug addicts. It’s very hard for people to get back on their feet.” He also chose this organization in honor of his Navy veteran grandfather.

An animal lover, Remzi said, “I know it’s not possible, but I wish every single animal would get their own home,” in regard to why he chose the SPCA.

When asked about his goals for the future, Remzi said he hopes to keep raising awareness for those in need through his various platforms, new initiatives, and by publishing more books, including one currently in the works.

Reflecting on all his son has accomplished and what he continues to plan for in his future, Yates said, “Each day the kid makes me more proud. It’s just amazing to me, to be honest.”