Vera Jackson facts for kids

Vera Jackson (born July 21, 1911 – died January 26, 1999) was a very important photographer. She was one of the first women to work as a photographer for African-American newspapers. Vera Jackson took pictures of daily life and famous people in Los Angeles during the 1930s and 1940s. She photographed many well-known figures. These included baseball star Jackie Robinson. She also captured images of educator Mary McLeod Bethune. Famous actresses like Dorothy Dandridge, Hattie McDaniel, and Lena Horne were also subjects of her work.

About Vera Jackson

Vera Jackson started her career as a photographer working for herself. She took pictures for the California Eagle newspaper. The editor, Charlotta Bass, later hired her full-time. Vera often worked with Jessie Mae Brown, who wrote about society events. Jessie Brown later became Jessie Brown Beavers. They worked together until Jessie left for another newspaper, the Los Angeles Sentinel.

After leaving the California Eagle, Vera Jackson decided to go back to school. She earned two degrees in education. She got her first degree in 1952 and her master's degree in 1954. After finishing her studies, she became a teacher. She taught in the Los Angeles University School District for 25 years.

Even while teaching, Vera Jackson kept taking photos. She continued to work as a freelance photographer. Her amazing pictures have been shown in many art galleries and museums. These include the UCLA Gallery and the Riverside Art Museum. Her work was also displayed at the Black Gallery of Los Angeles. The National Museum of Women in the Arts also featured her photographs. You could also see her photos at the Los Angeles County Public Library. The Afro-American Museum of History and Culture in Los Angeles showed her work too. Finally, her photos were exhibited at the Museum of Art in San Francisco.

Where Her Photos Were Shown

Vera Jackson's photographs have been part of several important art shows. These exhibitions helped share her unique view of history.

Major Exhibitions

• The Great Migration: The Evolution of African American Art, 1790-1945 (2000): This big show was at the Taft Museum of Art. It featured 49 artworks by many Black artists. Vera Jackson's work was included.
• A History of Women Photographers (1997): This was a very large exhibition. It showed the achievements of women in photography. Vera Jackson's photo of a 1948 civil rights protest was part of this show. It traveled to many places, including the New York Public Library and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
• The Tradition Continues: California Black Photographers (1983): This exhibition was held at the California African American Museum. It showed the work of Vera Jackson and other Black photographers from California.

Where Her Photos Are Kept

Vera Jackson's photographs are kept in important art collections. This helps make sure her work is saved for the future.

• Akron Art Museum: This museum has one of Vera Jackson's photographs. It was shown in their exhibition called A History of Women Photographers.
• Charlotta Bass & California Eagle Photograph Collection, 1870-1960, USC: This collection at the University of Southern California holds many of her photos. These pictures show her work with the California Eagle newspaper.