Leon Jenkins determined early on to become one of the individuals who made the effort. Born in Los Angeles and raised in the state of Tennessee, experiencing education within the public school system, Leon learned a unique respect for other people. This respect influenced his receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from Howard University. His story does not stop there. Leon pursued further endeavors. He became the first African American to receive a Masters Degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland, Graduate School of Journalism, College Park, Maryland.

In addition to already having obtained two degrees, Leon continued his pursuit of breathing life into the whole concepts of freedom and justice, which led him to enrolling at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan and obtaining a J.D. Degree in Law. He practiced law for over twenty years, effecting changes in the lives of clients, particularly juveniles, and also being instrumental in making positive changes in the justice system. His keen judicial astuteness was instrumental in Leon becoming the youngest African American judge to serve in Michigan; a position that he held for eight years.

As one concerned about democracy and the civil rights of all citizens, Leon aligned himself with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), became an active Life member, and began advocating for the rights of others. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Los Angeles Branch, where he held the chairmanship for the Legal Redress Committee for over ten years. That position led to him being elected as First Vice President of the Branch. In 2008, Leon was elected as President of the Los Angeles NAACP and was recently re-elected to that position for the next two years.

An incredibly hectic schedule keeps Leon involved in a variety of community issues, projects and activities, which impact the lives of individuals on many levels. But knowing and accepting his responsibility in doing his part to "arrive at respect for other people," and to further the concepts of "freedom, justice, and democracy," make life worth living and in the final analysis know that his life was not in vain.

As though serving as president of the Los Angeles NAACP was not enough, Leon also has a career in real estate investment, sales and financing. When time permits, Leon enjoys spending time with family and exercising.