Student Awards Banquet is in Memory of: Dr. Ervin Jackson Jr

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Brother Jackson was born June 9, 1929 in Springhill, Louisiana. He completed his early education in Fresno, California. After high school, Brother Jackson entered the military – serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. After his release from the Army, he enrolled in Southern University, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where which he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He continued his education at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where he received a Masters of Arts Degree in Education.

Armed with two degrees, Brother Jackson received his first educational opportunity serving as a teacher at Jefferson Davis High School in Jennings, Louisiana. Brother Jackson later returned to Baton Rough where he accepted a position at Southern University’s Laboratory School.

After several years, Brother Jackson decided to further his education by enrolling in the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. In 1963 he received a Doctorate Degree in Psychology. He then moved to Santa Barbara where he served as a consultant to the Santa Barbara County Office of Education.

In 1966, Brother Jackson moved to Sacramento. Upon his arrival, he accepted a position with the Sacramento City Unified School District as Assistant Superintendent, Office of Human Relations. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 1990.

Brother Jackson was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for sixteen years. Our Annual Student Awards Banquet is given in his honor. The idea of the Fraternity sponsoring an Achievement Award Banquet to honor outstanding African-America high school graduating seniors originated with Brother Jackson. He presented the idea to the members and after some persistence was able to persuade the brotherhood to sponsor at least one banquet.

That first banquet provided the opportunity for African-American high school seniors to be recognized and appreciated for their accomplishments. Without our Students Awards Banquet, most of the graduates would have never been acclaimed. The members were so impressed by the enthusiastic response and the positive effect on the honorees, that they eagerly endorsed the idea of making the awards banquet an annual event.

Brother Jackson served as the Chairman of the first awards banquet. Brother Jackson also served as the Basileus of Epsilon Xi Chapter.

Brother Jackson is survived by his wife Margaret, son Brandon Kennedy, daughters Vanessa Lear and Linda Alfred, and four grandchildren.

The Brothers of Epsilon Xi Chapter honor Brother Dr. Ervin Jackson for leaving “A Legacy of Education” to recognize the achievements of our African American High School Graduates.