On the 10 year anniversary of their son’s death, Susan and Kenneth Jackson, Sr. discussed how they are turning tragedy into treasure at the premiere of a series of short films by The New Yorker and The Marshall Project about New York criminal justice at Harlem’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Thursday night.
The couple lost their son, Kenneth Jackson, 24, 10 years ago when he was shot outside of a convenience store in Brooklyn. Jackson paid with his own life after trying to break up a fight between his friend and the shooter. Today, the couple is using their heartbreak to heal others.
“His life has definitely made an impact in ways that we had never imagined,” Jackson’s mother said. “We are taking a tragedy and turning it into a treasure.”
The Jacksons work everyday to honor their son by creating a community of encouragement. Jackson’s father explained how they give annual scholarships in their son’s name to historically black colleges such as Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.
The couple also founded two organizations called K2 and Sweet Inspiring Spirits, which help women, adolescents and senior citizens within their community.
Jackson’s father acknowledged their son’s influence on their mission. When he was alive, Kenneth Jackson was known to help others without asking for recognition. In the film, Susan Jackson referenced a time when her son gave a mother money to help pay her electric bill.
“He was always reaching out to make life better for people,” his father said. “I had no idea how recognized he was within the community.” It is his legacy that is encouraging such strong support from donors.
The New York City Council has named three city blocks in Jackson’s memory. Kenneth S. Jackson Jr. Blvd in East New York, Brooklyn will remind the city of his life and lasting influence.
Of course, the Jacksons cannot always be so positive. They are still in the healing process, but sharing and reaching out to others helps them deal with their grief. Jackson’s mother explains how they had a choice to make following their son’s death.
“Either go to the left, or go to the right. We walk with the right hoping that we will be able to change lives…” Jackson’s mother said. She explained that while they did not ask for this assignment, they have fully embraced it in hopes of changing lives.