William Thomas Jackson

Some of you may not have had the opportunity to personally meet my Grandfather William T Jackson. So I would like to take a moment to tell you about him.

He was a devoted and loving father to his children and a beloved grandfather to both me and our newest and youngest member Little Catherin. Granddad was the consummate patriarch to whom you would look for guidance. Together with my Grandmother they are the core foundation that holds our family together.

When I think of my Grandfather in relation to my childhood I have a few words that come to mind to describe him: caring, kind, gracious, and loving. I feel that my childhood was blessed and I was lucky enough to have a Grandfather like him. He made sure my childhood was “HAPPY” and I’ll give you quick examples of what I mean. First, there wasn’t a day when my granddad wouldn’t take me outside on my little red tricycle and push me around the block. Or the time when he taught me how to throw and hit a baseball on the home plate at Tully Park. Hot summer Saturday’s would be spent on our usual outings to one of the many museums in Chicago. I have so many memories like these! You see, my Grandfather saw to my happiness and wellbeing as a right and a privilege. I wish every child in this world could have such loving warmth, but often many children are denied this joy- but I was one of the lucky ones I guess.

Here are some more words that I can use to portray my grandfather: strong, principled, and knowledgeable. As a young adult every time I would use the words, “I can’t” or “It’s too hard”, my Grandfather would say you CAN and you WILL, and it’s that spirit which helped get me across the stage for high school graduation. As a high school student it always amazed me to see my Grandfather recite Mark Antony’s funeral oration from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar", WITHOUT THE BOOK! Then turn around and recite Carl Sandburg poems. When it came to education my Grandfather would say “You’re not going anywhere in this world without an education Grandson.” You know what?! He was right. And those words rang true when I turned my tassel back and walked across the stage during my college graduation. He was a man who believed in education; he pounded it into your core. And as you know… this sentiment is championed by my mother who carried on the family tradition.

I would like to leave you with these last few words to describe my Grandfather, William T. Jackson--honorable, resolute, and father… I use the word father because, like many children I didn’t have a father playing a pivotal part in my life. But I did have a grandfather… and a Mother, a Grandmother, an Aunt, and an Uncle. But you see my Grandfather played the part that my father was absent in. He was always there-- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I remember in 1st grade my homeroom teacher gave the class an assignment. We were to write a biography of our father. I wrote about my Grandfather. Somewhat perplexed, the teacher called for a parent/teacher conference with my Mother and Grandmother. She showed them my paper saying, “Edwin didn’t understand the assignment.” My grandmother looked it over and replied, “Edwin understood it perfectly.”
My grandfather helped to make me into the person that I am. A part of him is inside of me. And for that, all I have to say is THANK YOU GRANDAD!

Some of you may not have had the opportunity to personally meet my Grandfather William T Jackson. So I would like to take a moment to tell you about him.

He was a devoted and loving father to his children and a beloved grandfather to both me and our newest and youngest member Little Catherin. Granddad was the consummate patriarch to whom you would look for guidance. Together with my Grandmother they are the core foundation that holds our family together.

When I think of my Grandfather in relation to my childhood I have a few words that come to mind to describe him: caring, kind, gracious, and loving. I feel that my childhood was blessed and I was lucky enough to have a Grandfather like him. He made sure my childhood was “HAPPY” and I’ll give you quick examples of what I mean. First, there wasn’t a day... READ MORE →

Meeting Elder Jackson
I knew Mr. Jackson for only 14 years - a pretty small slice of a life spanning 91 eventful years, but I wanted to share my perspective.

In 1998, I met the Jackson / Harris / Blackmon family - many names - a talented cast of characters - a rich tapestry of qualities - elegance, boldness, beauty, strength, intelligence, creativity, ambition . .it was a captivating experience to say the least.

I met them through their son- brother-uncle Sekou Karanja, yet another name.
Sekou was born a Jackson but was given a new name in an African Naming Ceremony while living in Jamaica. The circle of friends who chose the name for him considered his essence, his history, his goals and his family before deciding upon:
Sekou - N. Africa - peaceful, warrior, wisdom - and -
Karanja - Kikuyu tribe of Kenya - friend to the traveler

And the middle name: Jamada - Nigeria – the only son of a respected man

Looking for the respected man.
To most of you, Mr. Jackson was known as the husband of Mrs. Jackson, the father of Mrs. Harris and Mrs Blackmon, the grandfather of Mr. Harris and Catherin. When I met him, I was looking for the respected man. . . and I found him. I'm not much of a talker, but I’m a good listener - Mr. Jackson was a good storyteller – it was a good match. He told stories of his experiences and accomplishments, which were impressive. But his greatest source of pride was his family – his face lit up when he spoke of them. His wife, Kitty (who was everything) . . . daughter Diane (the Educator) . . .daughter Janice (the business woman - industrious, astute – qualities he possessed and valued) . . .son Sekou (Chief) (the writer and poet), grandson Edwin (the filmmaker) and later little Catherin, whom he said filled the house with joy. He was especially proud of Universal Academy.

Memories
I have many memories of Mr. Jackson - he was a bowler, a walker, an Elder in his church, a historian, he recited poetry by heart, and could be quite a character, but my best memory of all. . .

I joined the family in 1999 and Sekou and I moved to Dallas to work full-time for the school. I began working in the business office and the rest is history in that regard, but finding a place in the family . . .hmm. Everyone had been absolutely wonderful to me, but could a quiet person who didn't say much find a niche within this group? Granted, there was one member with similar qualities, but he was born into the family. Oh well. I’ll turn it over to God . . .

On Christmas Day of that year, I received a card from Mr. Jackson. It was addressed to: “Family Member Linda” and signed Love, Pops. (hold up card) Well okay . . .from that day Mr. Jackson was my father-in-law Pops. It might seem like a small thing, but small things can make a big difference. I'm very grateful to have known this respected man.

Meeting Elder Jackson
I knew Mr. Jackson for only 14 years - a pretty small slice of a life spanning 91 eventful years, but I wanted to share my perspective.

In 1998, I met the Jackson / Harris / Blackmon family - many names - a talented cast of characters - a rich tapestry of qualities - elegance, boldness, beauty, strength, intelligence, creativity, ambition . .it was a captivating experience to say the least.

I met them through their son- brother-uncle Sekou Karanja, yet another name.
Sekou was born a Jackson but was given a new name in an African Naming Ceremony while living in Jamaica. The circle of friends who chose the name for him considered his essence, his history, his goals and his family before deciding upon:
Sekou - N. Africa - peaceful, warrior, wisdom - and -
... READ MORE →