Celebrating 28 Days of Black Excellence. Past and Present: Lonnie Jackson

Throughout the month of February, The Courier Eco Latino honors Black
History Month by spotlighting one local African American leader—past or
present—each day. The series features trailblazers, educators, entrepreneurs,
artists, advocates, and unsung heroes whose contributions have helped shape the
soul, strength, and future of our community.

These are stories that may not always make headlines, but make a difference every day. From classrooms to boardrooms, from pulpits to protest lines, from small businesses to grassroots movements, each honoree reflects resilience, leadership, and service rooted right here at home.

There are few individuals whose fingerprints can be found on nearly every corner of a community. For more than two decades, retired U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Lonnie Jackson was one of those rare figures in Columbus — a soldier, mentor and tireless advocate who dedicated the final 24 years of his life to uplifting children and beautifying the city he loved.

Jackson, who died in 2006, is remembered as a towering presence in Columbus civic life. A veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars, he retired from the Army in 1972 after a distinguished military career. But it was his second act — as a full-time community servant — that cemented his status as a local African American icon.

“Kids were his passion. He loved the kids,” said his wife, Bettye Jackson. “He had a program that went a whole week long during the summer, and he got the tutorial program started back every Saturday from 8 to 10 at Eastway.”

Through those tutoring programs alone, Jackson influenced more than 24,000 students, offering academic support, discipline and encouragement. Parents often credited him with helping steer children away from trouble and toward opportunity.

His commitment to service extended well beyond the classroom. Jackson spearheaded citywide anti-litter initiatives such as “Operation Esprit de Corps” and “Litter-Free Schools,” mobilizing students and residents to take pride in their neighborhoods. He could often be found organizing cleanup projects, urging young people to see environmental stewardship as a shared responsibility.

From mentoring youth to leading beautification campaigns, Jackson’s work was rooted in action. He also played a key role in helping establish the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Columbus, ensuring that veterans’ sacrifices were permanently honored in the community.

His decades of service earned national recognition. In 1993, Jackson received the President’s Volunteer Action Award from President Bill Clinton, one of numerous honors acknowledging his extraordinary dedication.

Family members say awards were never his motivation.

“He left a legacy here with his family as well as the community as being very involved in the human services,” said his stepdaughter, Vivian Sparks. “It’s left to us now, and we’ll try to carry that on because that’s what he wanted.”

Even as terminal cancer weakened his body in his final years, Jackson’s commitment never faltered. Loved ones recall that he continued mentoring and organizing as long as his health allowed.

“As long as he had breath in him, he was going to keep on working his way from here,” said his daughter, Lonya Jackson. “I’m sad he’s gone, but I’m happy he’s in a better place.”

In 2007, Eastway Elementary was renamed the Lonnie Jackson Academy in his honor, a lasting tribute to a man who believed every child deserved guidance, structure and hope.

In a city shaped by many leaders, Lonnie Jackson remains widely regarded as a giant — a soldier who never stopped serving and a community champion whose legacy continues to inspire generations.