Johnny Jackson

Johnny Jackson, Jr. was born September 19, 1943 at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA. He is the son of Josephine Brown Jackson and the late Johnny Jackson, Sr. and brother of Brandon Jackson, Sr. (Carol), Cynthia Webster, Cheryl Robinson, Kevin Jackson, and the late Bruce Jackson (Yvette). He was educated in New Orleans public schools and was a proud graduate of George W. Carver Senior High. He earned his bachelor degree from Southern University at New Orleans in 1965 and his master’s degree in social work from Tulane University in 1980. Johnny spent his adult life working hard to improve the lives of others; his focus was the 9th ward and Desire-Florida areas of New Orleans. In 1968, he became director of the Desire Community Center. He was the center’s leader during the 1970 standoff between New Orleans police and members of the Black Panther Party, who used the center to offer breakfast, mentoring, and tutoring programs for area youth. From there, leaders of the political organization SOUL recruited him to run for the Louisiana State Legislature. When elected to represent District 101 in 1971, he was the body’s third African-American member. Soon after his election, Johnny became the New Orleans delegation’s floor leader and he was a founding member of the state’s Legislative Black Caucus. He served on the Louisiana State Legislature for 14 years. In 1986, Johnny was elected to the New Orleans City Council where he served two terms. On the city council, Johnny headed the housing committee, advocated for economic opportunity for all of the city’s residents and fought for human rights. He drafted legislation aimed at ensuring equal treatment of the city’s gay and lesbian communities. His service continued far pass his political career. Johnny was a former board member of Total Community Action Inc., New Orleans East Economic Development Foundation, Desire-Florida Area Community Council, Development Association of Wards and Neighborhoods, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, WWOZ, and the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. Johnny’s greatest title and role was family man. Left to mourn his passing and carry on his legacy are his wife and BFF of 51 years, Ara Jean Jackson; children: Kevin, Jeanne, Johnann Jackson (Azalia), Kenyatta Jackson Morris, Johnny Jahi Jackson and Samantha Spears; 13 grandchildren; 3 great-granddaughters; 14 godchildren; 2 grandsons-in-law; a host of bonus kids, including Gwendolyn Allen, Malcom Flot, Jr. , Hollis Price, Sr., Corey Woods, Raymond Reed, Jr., and Torye Morris, Sr. Johnny will also be missed by brother-in-laws Arthur Ricks, Sr. (Linda), Willie Spears, Jr. (Stephanie), Elvis Spears, Glenn Spears, Sr.; sister-in-laws Sandra Mitchell, Lavonzell Finnie, Mary Strother, and Louise Dennis; uncle Walter Ricks, Sr. (Bobbie). In completing his race, Johnny leaves a multitude of friends to cherish his memory including George Carraby, Robert Eames Sr., Alena Stewart, Steve Tujague, Milton McWilliam, Bernel Williams, Darrell Taylor, Pastor Charles Duplessis, Sr., along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. On Wednesday, January 24, 2018, Johnny completed his battle with cancer and heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Family, friends, the City of New Orleans, and the State of Louisiana are invited to share in a Tribute to the Life of Johnny Jackson, Jr.: Friday, February 2, 2018 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M Lie in Repose for public viewing at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church- 3320 Louisa St. New Orleans, LA 70126. Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Beacon Light International Baptist Cathedral- 1937 Mirabeau Ave. New Orleans, LA 70122 viewing 8:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M. and Funeral Service begins at 10 A.M. The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club will escort Johnny by Jazz Procession to the Repast at Zulu's Roy Glapion Reception Hall- 730 N. Broad New Orleans, LA 70119. The Family is asking that, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to The Johnny Jackson Jr. Foundation P. O. Box 26404 New Orleans, LA 70186-6404.