A free online event later this week will shed some light on the life and legacy of a pair of civil rights leaders in 1960s Mississippi. It’s part of the Cold Case Justice Initiative at Syracuse University’s law school.
Law Professor Paula Johnson said chances are, you’ve probably never heard of the Jacksons of Natchez, Mississippi.
"You don’t know Wharlest Jackson’s name. You don’t know Exerlena Jackson’s name. But they are the people, in addition to those whose names we might be familiar with who gave the ultimate for the promises of this democracy.”
Wharlest Jackson worked at Armstrong Rubber and Tire, and after 13 years, became the first African American to be promoted to a skilled position as a chemical mixer.
“When he took that position, he and his family were regularly, just routinely threatened with violence. This was a position that had always been held by whites.”
It wasn’t long before suspected klansmen decided to send a message.
“On February 27, 1967, a bomb was placed under Mr. Jackson’s truck. As he left work that day and turned into the residential community, that bomb went off and it simply obliterated Mr. Jackson. No one has been held responsible for his death.”
He was 37 years old. The Korean Warveteran left behind a wife and five children. Johnson said he was also likely targeted because of his work with the local NAACP chapter on voter registration drives. She said everyone from school-age children to adults can learn from, lesser known; but, equally important civil rights leaders who’ve often sacrificed themselves for civil and voting rights causes.
“This is the kind of knowledge that has not been taught in our schools. That is the work that CCJI is about. This is as much apart pf our justice mission as our investigations of and research into the cases are.”
In addition to a presentation about the Jacksons, Johnson said the symposium will also include sessions for middle and high school students, parents, teachers and others to help them plan for post-high school life — whether that’s college or the skilled trades. A scholarship will also be launched in the Jackson name.
The virtual symposium will be held April 1 and 2, and the deadline of registration is March 31. For more information or questions, email jacksonlegacy@syr.edu.
