Richie Jean Jackson facts for kids

Richie Jean Jackson (born Sherrod) was an important American author, teacher, and civil rights activist. She worked hard to make the world a fairer place. She is especially known for her role in the Civil Rights Movement in Selma, Alabama.

Richie Jean Jackson's Early Life and Education

Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson was born in Mobile, Alabama. She was the only child of John W. and Juanita Richardson Sherrod. Growing up, she was a childhood friend of Coretta Scott King. Coretta Scott King later became the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..

Richie Jean went to Cardoza High School in Washington, D.C., and graduated from there. She then studied at Alabama State College. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education. This degree helped her become a teacher. Later, she earned a Masters of Education at the University of Montevallo. She was married to Dr. Sullivan Jackson, and they had one daughter named Jawana Virginia Jackson.

A Key Civil Rights Activist

Richie Jean Jackson played a very important part in the Civil Rights Movement. Her home in Selma, Alabama became a key meeting place for leaders.

In February 1964, important meetings happened at her house. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders met there. They planned strategies for the famous Selma to Montgomery marches. These marches were a big step in the fight for voting rights.

After the first march on March 7, 1965, things were difficult. This day is known as Bloody Sunday. After this event, important people met again at Jackson's home. These included a U.S. Assistant Attorney General and Florida Governor LeRoy Collins. They met with Dr. King and others to discuss the next steps.

These meetings led to more attempts at the voting rights march. Finally, a third attempt was successful. It was also in Jackson's home that Martin Luther King Jr. watched President Lyndon B. Johnson give his important Voting Rights Act Address on March 15, 1965. This speech was about making sure all citizens could vote.

Richie Jean Jackson's Legacy

Richie Jean Jackson shared her experiences in a book. She wrote a memoir called The House by the Side of the Road: The Selma Civil Rights Movement. This book was published in 2011. It tells her story and what happened during the Civil Rights Movement in Selma.

In 2013, Alabama representative Terri Sewell honored Jackson's life. She gave a special tribute in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2014, Jackson's house was recognized for its historical importance. It is now known as the Sullivan and Richie Jean Jackson House. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Also in 2014, an actress named Niecy Nash played Richie Jean Jackson. This was in the historical drama film Selma. The movie was directed by Ava DuVernay. It helped many people learn about the important events in Selma.