Comments on: Why We’re Honoring Gertrude Jackson

By: Tracy Haney

Tracy Haney — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 20:55:47 +0000

Dr. Jackson’s story is so inspiring I can’t begin to express the depth of my gratitude for her life and legacy. I attended UALR back in 1981 as an engineering technology student. I wasn’t able to finish my education in that field, but I’m about to complete an MBA program with one class remaining. I say this because it is individuals like Dr. Jackson who have inspired me as an African American man to strive to make a difference in the lives of others. I am so proud of UALR and what it has done to honor her. I proudly stand with the University and salute a woman of class and distinction like Dr. Gertrude Jackson. Bravo!!!

By: Phylesia Davis

Phylesia Davis — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:24:50 +0000

Kudos to Aunt Gert!!! Kudos to UALR for giving her such a well-deserved honor. I am proud to be an alumni and employee of UALR!!!!

By: Corrine Pike-Booker

Corrine Pike-Booker — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:24:23 +0000

In 1962 I entered 1st grade at Turner School and of course that was an exciting year. Later I would understand from listening to the older generation that we had a lot of things that we needed to overcome such as the old/used school textbook with “white” students name written in them, The Jim Crow law, poll voting, “blacks only” water fountains, Tastee Freeze in Marvell we had to order on the outside (not allowed inside). Also I was a 4th grade student at Turner School when the initial boycott began. When I was 5th grade in fall of 1966 I entered Marvell Elementary (white school) first realization was that 90% all my classmates that had left Turner School in the second semester of 1965 had failed their grades. Secondly, all the teachers were white. I we soon found out that we were not welcome mainly by the comments that was being made by the “white” students such as “Niggers” , “Go to your Own school.” “My parent pay taxes for this school” When we “black students” would walk down the hall all the “white students” would walk on one side away from the black students, Riding the school bus was a nightmare white student would try and save seats for other white student in order that Black Student would stand. I can recall several fights breaking out on the schools due to this. Thanks to Mr and Mrs Earlis Jackson, John Hamilton, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Pike, Mr. and Mrs. Lane, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Glass, Mr. and Mrs. James Jackson Mr and Mrs. Taylor and many, many, many others that followed the lead. I enjoyed the meeting places because no matter what we had endured that day at school it was sure to be brought out in the night meetings and at the conclusion we would join hands children and adults and sang “WE SHALL OVERCOME SOME DAY” . Looking back and yet still looking forward there has been a “great invention” but, it needs to be patent.. Congratulation Mrs. Gertrude!!! Happy Holidays to everyone!!! Corrine Pike

By: Deran Ford

Deran Ford — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:41:05 +0000

It is with profound joy to hear that UALR is honoring my aunt, Mrs. Gertrude Jackson, with an honorary doctorate degree. This honor makes me even more proud in saying “I’m an alum of what I believe to be the best university in Arkansas, UALR.” Aunt Gert has always been the pillar of our community, family and faith. Congratulations Aunt Gert, and thank you Dr. Anderson and UALR for giving back to a woman who has given so much to this state—as well as paved the way for so many of us to have a quality education and an opportunity to pursue our dreams!

By: audra jackson

audra jackson — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 18:56:56 +0000

Delightful story. Glad to see someone honor for untiring efforts that had a good impact upon the community.