December 7th, 2024

JACKSON CARES

By: Natiece Ford

“After everyone else went home, I went back to check on the families to see if I could help them get some sense of normalcy.” That is the kind of man Freddie Jackson is and what has allowed him to excel within the Houston Fire Department. For fifty years, Jackson has been involved in helping the community. A Houston native, he joined the Houston Fire Department in November 1973 and was a member of Local #341 from 1974 to 1993. When asked if he always dreamed of becoming a firefighter, his answer point- ed to the discrimination that Black individuals face, both then and now. “I could never have dreamed of becoming a firefighter when I was a kid because they didn’t hire their first Black firefighter until 1955.” Jackson was born in 1951. “There were only a few places that Blacks could have worked, and where I lived in the 5th Ward, you would have never seen a Black person on a fire truck. Now they are about to put my name on one of the fire trucks in Acres Home—that is mind-boggling to me.”

Before becoming a fire- fighter, Jackson worked at what was then Foley’s in the delivery department, which is today‘s Macy’s, and he also worked as a longshore- man. Many of the Black firefighters at the time worked at Foley’s part- time. Initially, Jackson was hesitant; when told to apply, his initial response was, “I’m not running up into any burning houses.” However, he was finally convinced, and he filled out the application and was selected.

When asked if the fire department was diverse by the time he was selected in 1973, Jackson’s response was “no.” “I was hired on a consent decree, where 10 per- cent of minorities had to be hired. They were giving us a chance because they had to.” Out of a class of thirty, two of the men were Black, and the other hiree was Hispanic. Jackson was sure to emphasize that even if a person did not graduate from the academy, the fire department did not have to hire someone to replace the original cadet; instead, the void would remain unfilled, and the minority quota would still be satisfied. When Jackson graduated, he was the only Black person from his class.

When asked what the biggest challenge he faced as a firefighter was, Jackson pointed to discrimination against minorities in line for promotions. Because of this, Jackson, along with other Black firefighters, helped create the Houston Black Firefighters Association, a caucus within the firefighters’ union. After being unable to grow within the union, the group decided to join the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. With the help of the IABPFF, they were able to change the hiring practices of the Houston Fire Department. Jackson pointed out that there are 605 Black firefighters in the Houston Fire Department, which he emphasized is out of 5,000 total firefighters. In Chicago, there are 350 Black firefighters out of 11,000. The first Black firefighter was not hired in Dallas until 1970.

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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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