Thursday, October 19, 2006 in Our Weekly
Gloria Jackson is keynote speaker at St. Albert the Great School in Compton
By Shirley Hawkins
OW Staff Writer
Historical figure Booker T. Washington, born a slave, rose from incredible odds to emerge as one of the most important figures in American history.
The legacy of Booker T. Washington, political leader, educator, author and first leader of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, continues to be carried on by his great-granddaughter, Gloria Jackson, who is the founder of the Booker T. Washington Inspirational Network (BTWIN).
Jackson, an attorney and real estate broker in Los Angeles, was the keynote speaker at the St. Albert the Great Elementary School in Compton on Oct. 12 during the annual Southern California Children’s Scholarship Fund (SCCSF) Luncheon. The scholarship fund provides tuition assistance to low-income families for private or parochial schools. Since its inception, SCCSF has awarded scholarships to more than 1,500 children in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
As the founder of the BTWIN, Jackson continues the legacy of her great-grandfather by dispensing his philosophy of self-reliance, responsibility and hard work as well as addressing issues and concerns that affect the black community. Washington’s legacy recently reached a milestone when the 150th birthday of the historical figure was celebrated in April followed by the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Tuskegee Institute.
Washington’s sheer determination to acquire an education against nearly insurmountable odds provided inspiration for the students at St. Albert, who paid tribute to the historical figure by performing a skit on the value of education.
Jackson pointed out that Washington was the catalyst for many “firsts.” The historical leader was only 25 years old when he became the first leader of the Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. “By 1905, Tuskegee had developed more black millionaires than Princeton, Harvard and Yale combined,” Jackson pointed out.
Other achievements included the publishing of his monumental autobiography, Up From Slavery, which has inspired generations of African Americans. Jackson was also founder of the National Business League, which helped to establish and support black businesses. He was the first person in the United States to convene an international conference addressing the concerns of black people throughout the world. The historical figure was also the first black to dine at Buckingham Palace with the King of England, as well as the first black American to receive honorary masters degrees from Harvard and Dartmouth University.
“My great-grandfather never knew his father and his mother was illiterate,” said Jackson, who said that many people who met Washington said that he possessed a wisdom beyond his years. “As a young slave boy, his early life was one of hardship and drudgery. He was nine years old when slavery was abolished, and he hired himself out to work in the coal and salt mines as well as in private homes. My grandfather believed that if he worked hard, he had a future in America. Because of his sheer will and determination, he grew up to dine with Kings and Queens,” said Jackson.
Jackson said that her great-grandfather possessed an “iron will” when faced with achieving his goals. “Even though he was illiterate, he was determined to acquire an education,” Jackson observed. “One of my grandfather’s jobs was carrying the books of white children to and from school. He would look into the window and stare at the children reading books, which only fueled his burning desire to learn.”
Jackson said Washington heard about Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in Hampton, Va. that taught blacks how to read and write. “My great-grandfather traveled to the school to pursue an education. He didn’t have any money, but the principal realized that he had a burning hunger for knowledge,” said Jackson. “To see how committed he was to achieving an education, she made him sweep and clean the classroom. Not only did he clean that room, but when the headmistress took her handkerchief and wiped the classroom, she could not find any dust. That became my great-grandfather’s entrance exam to Hampton.”
Jackson said that it wasn’t long before her great-grandfather proved his passion and determination to learn. “When he started at Hampton, he was at the bottom of his class and one of the youngest students at Hampton,” recalls Jackson, “But he was first in his class when he graduated three years later.”
Pausing, Jackson added, “My great-grandfather saw us free and educated and owners of businesses. Booker T. Washington was an ex-slave who rose up and developed a blueprint for his people. He saw us as the fabric of American society and that all people would be judged by the content of their character.”
Jackson hoped that the students at St. Albert would learn from Washington’s example. “It is important for you to develop your character and be good people,” said Jackson. My great-grandfather said, ‘Nothing comes to a man or woman without hard work,’ and no one worked as hard as Booker T. Washington.”
Jackson said that her great-grandfather’s legacy continues to influence American society. “God blesses us with personalities of monumental proportions. I think they’re given to us as examples to demonstrate to us how an ordinary person can achieve in an extraordinary fashion,” said Jackson.
“My great-grandfather said, ‘Success is better measured by the obstacles you overcome as you look forward to success.’ Surveying the children in the room, Jackson said, “I would encourage you that by applying your best, you will become extraordinary.”
In honor of Jackson and her great-grandfather, Compton Councilperson Barbara Calhoun presented Jackson with a proclamation from the city.
Jackson will be among the keynote speakers on Oct. 28, when the Tuskeege Alumni Association holds its 32nd Annual Scholarship Luncheon at the Embassy Suites Hotel in El Segundo, California. For more information, call (323) 734-0288 or (323) 290-9796.