[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 167 (Tuesday, October 22, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. GERTRUDE NEWSOME-JACKSON

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                     HON. ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 22, 2019

  Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Gertrude 
Newsome-Jackson of Philips County, who fought for civil rights 
throughout her entire life. A mother of 11 children, Mrs. Jackson was 
known throughout the Delta area as a leader in the civil-rights 
movement. Jackson has received recognition and honor from president's 
and her community members alike. Her work and legacy will forever 
continue to impact the great people of Arkansas.
  In the 1960's, Gertrude Jackson and her husband Earlis Jackson hosted 
the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which was 
quintessential in the work of desegregation throughout Arkansas and the 
country. With some ideas from the SNCC and inspiration from her 
children, she led a boycott and law suit for the desegregation and 
sewage fixing of Turner Elementary schools and all the surrounding 
local schools.
  Mrs. Jackson's efforts led the United States Court of Appeals for the 
Eighth Circuit to mandate the school district ``to fully and 
effectively desegregate not only all facilities but the faculty and 
classes effective at the beginning of the 1970-71 school year.'' 
Gertrude Jackson's spirit to serve her community also led her to 
establish the Boys, Girls, Adults Community development center that 
continues to facilitate the community today in Marvell, Arkansas. I am 
eternally grateful for Gertrude Jackson service in our district and 
state.

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