[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 51 (Friday, March 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E247-E248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CHRISTINE OSBURN JACKSON

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 20, 2026

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of an extraordinary woman, Mrs. Christine Osburn Jackson, who entered 
eternal rest on February 25, 2026, at the age of 97. Mrs. Jackson's 
life was defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment 
to uplifting others. For more than three decades, she stood at the helm 
of the YWCA of Greater Charleston, transforming it into a beacon of 
hope, justice, and opportunity for countless individuals across her 
community.
  Born in Marion, Alabama, to Roland and Cornelia Scott Osburn, 
Christine Jackson was shaped early by faith, family, and a deep sense 
of responsibility to others. Her upbringing, rooted in church and 
community, instilled in her the values that would guide her life's 
work. She pursued higher education in home economics and carried those 
skills with her as tools for empowerment and service. Early on, Mrs. 
Jackson proved she was a trailblazer, yet another reminder of her 
resilience and perseverance as a Black woman of her generation.
  In 1963, she and her husband, the late Reverend Dr. Eddie L. Jackson, 
Sr., made their way to Charleston, South Carolina, where her journey 
with the YWCA began humbly with teaching a sewing class. What followed 
was nothing short of transformation. In 1966, she assumed leadership of 
a segregated institution during one of the most pivotal periods in our 
Nation's history. With quiet strength and steady determination, she 
helped guide the YWCA through the turbulence of the civil rights 
struggle, ensuring that the Y's mission aligned with the principles of 
equality and inclusion.
  Under her visionary leadership, the YWCA of Greater Charleston became 
a cornerstone of the community. Mrs. Jackson championed programs that 
registered voters, supported young mothers, and provided educational 
and leadership opportunities for youth. She helped establish 
initiatives such as the Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN), elevating 
the contributions of women across the region, and played a central role 
in creating Charleston's annual Martin Luther King, Jr., 
commemorations--ensuring that Dr. King's legacy would live on in both 
word and action.
  Her influence extended far beyond organizational leadership. During 
the 1969 Charleston Hospital Strike, the YWCA served as a meeting place 
for those seeking justice, and Mrs. Jackson stood among those committed 
to advancing civil rights. She was connected personally and 
historically to this movement, sharing close ties to the family of Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr., and carrying forward the spirit of service and 
sacrifice that defined that era.
  Even in retirement, Mrs. Jackson remained a guiding force, ever 
hopeful and steadfast in her belief that ``the good in people will 
always outweigh the bad.'' Her life's work was made possible not only 
by her leadership but also by her unique ability to bring people 
together in the service of a greater cause.
  She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Moshe Rashad 
and Kim Jackson; her bonus son, Jeremy Lamar Jackson; and a host of 
grandchildren, family, and friends who will carry her legacy forward.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring 
the remarkable life of Mrs. Christine Osburn Jackson. She was a 
trailblazer, a servant leader, and a pillar of her community. Her 
legacy of service, justice, and faith will continue to inspire 
generations to come.

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