Black History; One Person Can Make a Difference

Black History Month 2004,

Local Heroes:Jennifer Jackson; Community Resource Specialist,

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Pediatric Health Van

Jennifer Jackson has lived and worked in East Palo Alto for over 30 years. As the mother of four children and grandmother to eleven, she knew that she needed to take personal responsibility if there was going to be change within her community. She helped secure grants for a Pediatric Health Van from Lucile Packard Children's Hospital to ensure health care for underserved families on the Peninsula.

In addition to her work with the clinic, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of youth in East Palo Alto. Nearly eight years ago, in the wake of high homicide rates, she established the Positive Image Awards to bring warring factions together and honor unsung heroes who were striving to make the community a better place.

Thirteen years ago, she established an annual Children's Day, a daylong festival of food and games for children whose lives are often marked by deprivation. Finally, Jackson spearheaded the creation of East Palo Alto Hook-up, a computer lab in her church that offers technology courses to the community.