Giles Beecher Jackson

Giles Beecher Jackson (1853–1924) was an American lawyer, newspaper publisher, entrepreneur, and civil rights activist. He was the first African-American to practice law before the Supreme Court of Virginia in 1887. Jackson co-authored The Industrial History of the Negro Race in Virginia (Virginia Press, 1908).

Early life and education Giles Beecher Jackson was born on August 13, 1853, in Goochland County, Virginia; he was African American and enslaved from birth.

Jackson moved to Richmond, Virginia after he was freed and worked as a servant.

In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt had awarded Jackson with the title of honorary colonel of the third civic division (an all-Black cavalry unit), with Jackson participating in the presidential inaugural parade along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Starting in 1903, Jackson found the Negro Development and Exposition Company (NDEC) headquartered in Richmond’s Jackson Ward. The NDEC was attempting to capitalize on the display of African American achievements, with the goal of creating the first national museum. The exhibition had received a mixed reception, with criticisms of the exhibition highlighting Black achievements in order to further enforce racial segregation. Jackson felt having the exhibition in a separate "Negro Building" allowed for a greater variety and completeness of presentation, and that it could better highlight their achievements.

Death and legacy He died on August 13, 1924, and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Richmond.

In 2007, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources erected a historical marker in Jackson's honor in the Jackson Ward neighborhood. In 2021, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney proclaimed April 17 as "Giles B. Jackson Day" for all his accomplishments, and it was awarded on the 150th year anniversary of the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood.

Publications