The Journey of the Jackson Home: A Symbol of Civil Rights History
A Historic Move
Brick by brick and beam by beam, the Jackson Home has made its way from Selma, Alabama, to The Henry Ford Museum’s Greenfield Village in Detroit, Michigan. This relocation is not just a physical journey; it represents a significant chapter in American history. The house, once owned by the Jackson family, served as a crucial haven and planning site during the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Role of the Jackson Family
The Jackson family was an ordinary middle-class Black family who made an extraordinary decision to use their home as a base for activism. Patricia Mooradian, President and CEO of The Henry Ford, emphasizes the importance of this choice, stating, “This was an ordinary middle-class Black family in Selma who made a really important decision to use their home for a cause.” Their commitment to civil rights and social justice transformed their home into a sanctuary for those fighting for equality.
The Selma to Montgomery Marches
The Selma to Montgomery marches were marked by three attempts to walk the 87 kilometers, with the first being violently suppressed. This brutal response drew national and international attention to the struggles faced by African Americans in the Deep South, particularly regarding voting rights. The Jackson Home became a strategic location for planning these marches, underscoring its significance in the broader narrative of civil rights.
Historical Artifacts and Their Importance
Inside the Jackson Home, visitors will find some of the original furnishings from the period, including an armchair from which Dr. King watched President Lyndon B. Johnson’s iconic “We Shall Overcome” speech. This speech was instrumental in leading to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The house is not just a structure; it is a repository of history, filled with artifacts that tell the story of the civil rights movement.
Digitizing History
In a bid to preserve this rich history, archivists are currently digitizing and cataloguing around 6,000 items from the Jackson Home. These items illustrate the relentless efforts of activists seeking equal rights, often in the face of violent opposition from mobs and law enforcement. Amber Mitchell, curator of Black history at The Henry Ford, highlights the importance of these artifacts, stating, “They’re important to help people understand—especially young people—where we are, how we got here, and the tactics used to change the world.”
Cultural Context and Current Challenges
The relocation of the Jackson Home comes at a time when there are ongoing efforts to minimize or erase the experiences and history of Black Americans. Under the administration of President Donald Trump, there have been attempts to remove references to diversity, equity, and inclusion from federal discourse, a trend that has been mirrored by some private companies. This context makes the preservation of the Jackson Home even more vital, as it stands as a testament to the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights movement.
The Role of Museums in Preserving History
Mooradian expresses her concern about the current climate, stating, “I’m definitely saddened by what I see. I think museums are such an important part of our culture and our heritage.” Institutions like The Henry Ford and the Wright Museum in Detroit are committed to continuing their work in preserving African American history and culture, regardless of external pressures. Jennifer Evans, the director of exhibitions at the Wright Museum, asserts, “We will continue to do this work even when, maybe, other institutions don’t want to do it or don’t find it valuable.”
A New Chapter for the Jackson Home
The Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village is home to more than 80 historic structures, including the laboratory where Thomas Edison perfected the light bulb. The Jackson Home will soon join this collection, opening to the public next year. This new chapter not only honors the legacy of the Jackson family but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the importance of remembering our history.
