Jacques Emmanuel Leblanc

Jacques Emmanuel Leblanc, also known by his close friends and family members as "Manno", was born in Port au Prince, Haiti, on November 8, 1950, to the late Josephine Bartley and Jules Leblanc. His mother was a schoolteacher who taught many children in their community and, therefore, imparted on him the importance of education, as well as a deep love for and sense of dedication to both his family and his community. Known for being the responsible peacemaker in a household of seven children, Jacques was often entrusted by his parents with a number of responsibilities, such as helping to get his siblings ready for school each day (his sisters lovingly recount him even helping to comb their hair before school).
At an early age, Jacques had a strong sense of community and brotherhood. As such, he followed in the footsteps of his late father and grandfather, as well as many other men in his family, and became a freemason at the age of 18. During his teen years, he also became a Brown belt Karate student under one of Haiti's top Shotokans, Seinse Enoc Lercius.
Jacques earned his High School diploma and bachelor's degree in Haiti, shortly thereafter, he worked as a social worker at "Plan de Parrainage", a children's sponsorship school in an impoverished region of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In the early 1970s, Jacques discovered his talent in broadcast journalism. He worked as a journalist under the mentorship and training of the notable Haitian journalist, Jean Leopold Dominique from Radio Haiti-Inter. By the mid 1970's, Jacques had made a name for himself and was known for hosting the animateur hour of a Haitian kompa show called "Special Blanchard" from Radio MBC.
In 1973, Jacques was blessed with his first child, James (also known as PePe) Leblanc. Sadly, not long after, James passed away due to an infection that the local hospital was unequipped to treat at the time. In 1975 and 1976 he became the proud father of two sons- Stanley Renuel Leblanc and John Mac Leblanc. Though proud to once again be a father of two living children, with his first daughter Manuelle Farah Leblanc on the way, the tragic loss of his firstborn was never forgotten. His loss of James ultimately led to his decision to look for opportunities to move to the United States, where access to high quality medical care was more readily available.
In 1980, Jacques moved to the United States, where he would eventually become a U.S. citizen and lay down his roots in Chicago, Il. During his time in Chicago, Jaques became a skilled professional of many trades, and a highly accomplished and well-respected community member. Similar to his mother, Jacques believed that education was the key to success. Though he had previously obtained a college degree in Haiti and spent some time working as an educator in his homeland, a lack of degree reciprocity between the U.S. and Haiti didn't allow for his degrees to be recognized in the United States. Therefore, Jacques continued the path of furthering his education in the United States. His hard work and dedication led to him earning an associate's degree from Harry S. Truman College of Chicago and later earning his bachelor's degree in social work from Northeastern Illinois University. His commitment to education and perseverance would not go unrewarded as he quickly transitioned into the professional world.
Professionally, Jacques worked for a major insurance company, and he also held a role in customer service for Hilton Hotels for more than 10 years. In addition to these roles, Jacques became a Corporate Trainer and Network Administrator for a major technology company, as well as a Creole Language Consultant for Maryland University. His translation work, however, was only one of many of Jacques' connections and contributions to the Haitian Community in Chicago.
Jacques was a pioneer and a living legend in the Haitian community, who would become known for opening doors of opportunity for many. He had a great vision for the Haitian community of Chicago, and many considered him to be the father of Haitian media in Chicago. In 1985, alongside Bob Pressoi, Jacques created and became the host of the first Haitian radio show in Chicago, "Bonjour Soleil". Two years later, he founded the first and only francophone Haitian newspaper and publication in Chicago,
'Coup D'Oeil'. In 1992, Jacques would step into possibly his most well-known role. Alongside his two sons, Stanley and John, Jacques founded, led and hosted the first Haitian Television Show in the Midwest, Haiti Rencontre". Through this program he interviewed notable politicians, community activists, and entertainers. He also used this platform to give a voice to people within the Haitian community and to disseminate potential opportunities for, as well as potential threats to, those within the Haitian community. By founding the first Haitian television show in the Midwest, Jacques encouraged, trained, and opened many doors for many other Haitian television shows in Chicago such as "Unity in Diversity", "Haiti Jeunesse", "Zaboka TV Show", and "Haitian American Museum of Chicago". He later became the Treasurer of the Haitian American Community Association and subsequently served as the president of the non-for-profit organization.
Jacques' contributions to the Haitian community were so widespread and well known that he was invited to a number of speaking engagements, and he was also recognized by numerous organizations, receiving countless awards for his prominent work. His speaking engagements included interviews with ABC, NBC, WBBM, WGN, WVON, WGCI, WBEZ Chicago, NPR, WNUR, Chicago Tribune, WCIU TV and Radio Atlanta, to name a few. He was also invited to speak at the Morseland Cafe Fundraising event, Shekinah Christian Center Congregation, Truman College and Valparaiso University College of Law. Additionally, he was invited to speak at Thornton Township in Riverdale, Il, by the NAACP and in 2010, he was a keynote speaker at the Homeland Security Office for the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, where he presented on the history of Black economic empowerment during Black History Month. Even though Jacques was not a member of the Nation of Islam, he was even invited to Louis Farrakhan's home to discuss the urgency for the return of the ousted president of Haiti, Jean Bertrand Aristide in 1994. Jacques' awards included, but were not limited to, the Ketty Gourdet Award for dedicated service to the Haitian community in the fields of Media and Communications in 2004, the Black History Month award given by the U.S. Homeland Security division of U.S. Customs and Border patrol in 2010, and the Louverture Soccer Club's 35th anniversary Commitment award for his leadership and philanthropy in the Haitian community in 2016. Jacque's reach and influence is undoubtedly immeasurable.
However notable his professional and community accomplishments may have been, Jacques never neglected or forgot his most important roles as a loving father, trusted friend, and dedicated husband. Though Haiti saw the birth of his three sons and his first daughter, his move to the U.S. brought with it the birth of two more loving daughters- Nadhy Simon and his youngest child, Pascale Leblanc. Furthermore, on December 16, 1995, Jacques married his beautiful wife, Delia Leblanc, and grew his family by two with the addition of his step-sons, Donny and Delwin. In April of 2023, Jacques and his wife, Delia, relocated to Atlanta, GA, where she was his full-time caregiver until his passing, after nearly 30 years of marriage.
Jacques was a strong, intelligent, loving and compassionate man who was loved by many. Sadly. on April 1, 2025, at the age of 74, he was called home to the Lord after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Jacques' contributions to the Haitian community were countless and his love for his family was unbounded. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Jacques Emmanuel Leblanc is survived by his loving family:
Wife: Delia Leblanc
Children: Stanley Renuel Fleury Leblanc, John M Leblanc,