Horace Jackson
Dr. Jackson will always be fondly remembered for his warm, kind and gentle spirit.
Dr. Horace Jackson
“Horace David Jackson was born into a world full of barriers, but through the 70’s lens of discrimination and segregation in America all he saw were opportunities. He approached life with powerful skills — a keen intellect, passion for teaching and a sharp eye toward injustice — that helped him carve out an important role in Riverside-area history.”
He was a mentor, friend, confidant, leader and trailblazer. Students listened to him, trusted him, and knew he had their best interest at heart. Jeff Edgar gave this description about Dr. Jackson: ”A gentleman and scholar in every sense of both of those words.” Former student and now Bay Area Education Activist, Ben Hernandez, fondly remembers Dr. Jackson as a man who “instilled pride, conviction and principle. He was a fearless leader. That’s why I have so much love and respect for this man.”
In 1961, Dr. Jackson was hired to teach at Lowell Elementary School during a time of social unrest over school desegregation. He was the first full-time Black principal in the Riverside County School District when he was hired at University Heights Jr. High School in 1968, then became the principle of John. W. North High School from 1970 – 1976. Dr. Jackson is credited with quelling racial unrest in the Riverside District. Dr. Jackson was also the first black administrator in the Palm Springs Unified School District.
References:
Walton, Martha Jo. “Horace Jackson.” YouTube. YouTube, 29 Jan. 2013. Web. 10 May 2013.
Straehley, Dayna. “RIVERSIDE: School District’s First Black Principal Dies.” Breaking News. The Press Enterprise, 28 Jan. 2013. Web. 10 May 2013.
Levister, Chris. “Blackvoicenews.com.” Final Chapter for Riverside’s First Black Principal. Black Voice News, 15 Feb. 2013. Web. 10 May 2013.