Daniel Jenkins was a charismatic African American laborer who earned a meager living hauling timber. Upon discovering four abandoned black boys in an empty railroad car, he took the orphans home and gave them food and shelter. This act of kindness in 1891 launched the Jenkins Orphanage, dedicated to supporting the economic and social well being of children. The organization’s programs included music, and the Jenkins Orphanage Band nurtured the talents of some of the most famous African-American musicians, making it an important source of Southern jazz and social good. Now called Jenkins Institute, the organization’s important work continues.