Alexander L. Jackson facts for kids

Alexander Louis Jackson II (born March 1, 1891 – died October 21, 1973) was an important African American businessman and community leader. He was very active in the Black community of Chicago's South Side. Jackson served as the executive secretary of the Wabash Avenue YMCA, helped start the Chicago Urban League, and was the general manager of The Chicago Defender newspaper. He also helped create the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History with Carter G. Woodson in 1916.

Early Life and School

Alexander Louis Jackson II was born on March 1, 1891, in Englewood, New Jersey. His parents were Alexander Louis Jackson and Evelyn Martha (Lewis) Jackson.

He went to Englewood High School. Later, he attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, which was mostly white at the time. He graduated in 1910 and was chosen to give a speech at his graduation ceremony. Jackson then went to Harvard College, where he earned a degree in 1914. He studied English literature, sociology, and education. While at Harvard, he was also a talented track and field athlete and spoke at his graduation again.

Career and Community Work

Jackson first met Carter G. Woodson in 1911 when he was a student at Harvard. They often talked about African American history and worked together on many projects later on. After graduating from Harvard in 1914, Jackson started working for the YMCA as a Student Secretary in Washington, D.C.

In 1915, he moved to Chicago to become the Executive Secretary of the Wabash Avenue YMCA. This YMCA was a very important center for the Black community in Chicago.

Starting Important Organizations

Jackson was part of a group of community leaders, both Black and white, who started the Chicago branch of the National Urban League in 1916. This organization helped Black people find jobs and housing.

In September 1916, Jackson, along with Carter Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, James E. Stamps, and William B. Hartgrove, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This group later changed its name to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Its goal was to research and share the history of African Americans.

During the Chicago race riot of 1919, Jackson helped Black workers who were cut off from their jobs and resources. He set up special places where they could get their pay.

Work in New York and Chicago

In late 1919, Jackson left the Chicago YMCA and moved to New York City. There, he became the Educational Secretary for the National Urban League until 1921.

He returned to Chicago in 1921. From 1921 to 1924, he worked as an assistant to the publisher of The Chicago Defender. This was a very famous African American newspaper. In 1925, he became the general manager of the Defender.

Later Business and Leadership Roles

Jackson spent the rest of his career working in business and real estate. He was the president and treasurer of the Manhasset, Plandome, and Montauk Building Corporation until he retired in 1971.

He also held many other leadership positions in the community. He was a director for the Chicago Council of Social Agencies. From 1921 to 1936, he was the president of the board of trustees for Provident Hospital and Training School. This was the first hospital in the United States owned and run by African Americans. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the Southside Boys Club Foundation.

Personal Life and Family

Jackson married Charlotte E. Walker in 1914. They had four children: Caroline Booth (born 1915), Alexander Louis Jackson III (born 1920), William Edward Jackson (born 1924), and Winslow Loring Jackson (born 1928). After Charlotte passed away in 1928, he married James Lenas Boone, who died in 1966. He married his third wife, Marie Poston, in 1968. In the 1940s, Jackson lived in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago.

He passed away in Chicago on October 21, 1973, at the age of 82.