All roads lead back to Jackson often for Leon Love Washington, Jr.

Born and raised in Natchez, where Jackson State University was founded, Washington was surrounded by the excitement and historical sentiments of JSU. He was often on the road after graduating with a Biology Education degree in 2004 and later moving to Dallas for a teaching position.

Affectionately known as Rudy, Washington frequently travels to Natchez to see family, Jackson for JSU football and his daughter’s volleyball meets, and back to his current residence in Dallas. Shortly after joining the Dallas JSU Alumni Association, some of those trips to The City With Soul were less about him and more about dozens of youth.

“The organization takes a bus of students from Dallas to Jackson State for High School day,” said Washington, who has been teaching for more than 20 years at Annett Perry Elementary School in Mansfield, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. “Since we’ve been doing it for a while now, some students from Dallas are already enrolled at JSU. Those current students partner with the students we bring, so they don’t feel alone.”

With more than 500 members, the association hosts college send-off celebrations and provides care packages, bedding, and scholarships. Its 2024 High School day trip is expected to include 42 students.

They spend the night and return home for a nominal fee of $100. Despite the minimal cost for all the students, Washington started thinking about students who may have missed out on the opportunity because they couldn’t afford it.

“I started having JSU watch parties at the restaurant,” Washington said. “Twenty percent of the proceeds go to help students who can’t pay the fee.”

Washington is co-owner of Fatburger & Buffalo’s Express with Maisha Bankhead. Washington and Bankhead were the first to bring the restaurant, commonly called Fatburger, to the Dallas area. They currently have a location near the Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium in Arlington, North Richland Hills, and a third opening soon at the Dallas Fort Worth airport.

“We make everything fresh,” said Washington, a 2004 graduate of Jackson State University. “It’s all well seasoned, just like home.”

Washington’s inspiration comes from home cooking. Local go-to restaurants and lounges in the Capital City for Washington are Drago’s for oysters, E&L for classic bar-b-que, and Stamps for a juice burger and JSU nostalgia.

“You can travel anywhere, but you won’t find what’s here in Jackson anywhere else,” said Washington. “It’s the people, the hospitality, the culture. I come back all the time for the relationships I’ve made. The food is unmatched.”