[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 22, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E376-E377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              GEORGE JACKSON: HARLEM'S SHINING MEDIA STAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 22, 2000

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to George Jackson, 
whose outstanding record of accomplishment in the media and 
entertainment was cut short with his passing on February 10, 2000.
  Jackson was Harlem's shining media star. Before his death at age 42, 
he had compiled a record of successes in film, music and the internet.
  I offer special commendation and condolences to the mother of George 
Jackson, Henrietta ``Hennie'' Hogan, who as production supervisor at my 
hometown newspaper, the Amsterdam News, nurtured his interest in 
communications.
  Therefore, I commend to my colleagues the following tribute on George 
Jackson which appeared in the Amsterdam News.

                       [From the Amsterdam News]

                        Shooting Star Leaves Us

                         (By Vinette K. Pryce)

       It is the letter ``h'' which sums up George Jackson's life 
     as a legacy who enhanced the music industry.
       During a sentimental journey, titled ``From Henrietta, to 
     Harlem, to Harvard, to Hollywood, to Heaven,'' his longtime 
     mentor Brian Carty reflected on Jackson's life with friends 
     and admirers on Monday at St. Paul the Apostle Cathedral. A 
     life which began when he was born to Henrietta ``Hennie'' 
     Hogan on Jan. 6, 1958.
       Carty's eulogy was punctuated with Biblical quotations from 
     Philippians, Chapter 2, verses 1-4 and 12-18, which discuss 
     servitude and a spiritual connection to duty.
       Hogan, he said, considered her son a gift. Encouraging 
     George's every endeavor, Hogan nourished his ideas by 
     enrolling her son in a preparatory school. Hogan's career as 
     production supervisor at the New York Amsterdam News helped 
     supplement George's zeal for media/communication and 
     entertainment. When he graduated from Monsignor William R. 
     Kelly and Fordham Prep, there was no doubt that George's next 
     venture would be advanced education at one of America's most 
     prestigious universities, Harvard. The Ivy League institution 
     proved fertile ground for George's broad sociological outlook 
     on society. He chose the field as one of two majors (the 
     other was economics).
       It was that fundamental preparation which motivated him to 
     venture west to a state where he had few connections, but a 
     much bigger sociological challenge than any other he had ever 
     embraced. George tackled his commitment by combining Hogan's 
     teachings, his Harlem upbringing and his Harvard education 
     with film to project poignant issues and some very successful 
     films.
       Richard Pryor's Indigo Productions at Columbia Pictures 
     helped hone Jackson's career from 1984-86. It was a new day 
     for the white-washed movie world, which had not yet embraced 
     faces like Wesley Snipes. Jackson partnered with Doug 
     McHenry, and the pair decided on bold collaborative ideas. 
     They co-produced 12 films including ``Krush Groove,'' ``New 
     Jack City'' and the Martin Lawrence hit ``Thin Line Between 
     Love and Hate.''
       While the films' messages sparked curiosity, the 
     soundtracks spawned success after success, reaping platinum 
     and multi-platinum status. Assured of his impact and 
     dedication, a slumping Motown Records borrowed his talent by 
     naming him president of the legendary record label.
       That appointment returned the Harlemite to the East Coast, 
     Hogan and a whole new challenge. Again George accepted the 
     mantle. It was here be attempted to use his college education 
     in sociology in the making of music videos, which sell CDs.
       Hogan completely understood that her son was destined on a 
     course which extended from coast to coast and would impact on 
     millions.
       Jackson's tenure at Motown ended with a new venture--one 
     which prepared him for the 21st century and a whole new 
     approach to sociology. George dedicated nights and days to 
     Urban Box Office, an Internet venture which focused on the 
     hip-hop culture. In addition, he started working on Soul 
     Purpose, an online media magazine which was on the verge of a 
     major breakthrough.
       ``He worked 18-hour days,'' said Vivian Chew, president of 
     Time Zone International. ``He was always at everyone's beck 
     and call.''
       Immersed in preparations for a major hip-hop convention 
     planned for London in May, Chew explained that Jackson 
     virtually ``held [her] hand'' through acquisitions of many 
     deals surrounding the international music meet.
       When Chew heard of the Feb. 10 tragedy, she said she felt 
     as if she had lost a best friend.
       ``My heartfelt condolences are extended to George's 
     family,'' Rev. Jesse Jackson said, adding, ``He was a 
     tremendous talent in an industry where people come and go. He 
     had staying power. Because of his commitment to quality 
     product, film, video and music, he leaves a legacy of 
     excellence and creativity for future generations to follow. 
     His vision will not be lost on those who will work in his 
     footsteps of inclusion.''
       Jackson's journey ended on Feb. 10. Mourning his departure 
     are Hogan, his beloved mother; Yuko, his wife; Kona Rose, his 
     16-month-old daughter; Dr. Sharon Jackson, his sister; Bobbie 
     E. Stancil, his brother; and friends and fans all across the 
     United States.
       Contributions may be sent to the George Jackson Memorial 
     Scholarship Fund c/o De

[[Page E377]]

     Salle Academy, 200 W. 97th St., New York 10025.

     

                          ____________________