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Saturday, December 5, 2015

ESPAÑOLA JACKSON - WELL KNOWN CITYWIDE ADVOCATE - WITH HER HOME IN THE BAYVIEW - NOW LIES IN THE HOSPITAL - FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT TO THE END - SO LET IT BE KNOWN - ESPANOLA JACKSON HAS LEFT A LEGACY.

They do not make them anymore - great leaders - whose heart is in the right place - their mind clear - values that all appreciate - and what is more - during their life time - respected.

These few leaders leave a legacy.

Truly Espanola Jackson from the Bayview - well known all over California - more in San Francisco - and honored many times by the State of California.

Respected by Senators, Congressperson, and the White House - her good name travelled far and wide.

February 9, 2015 - Espanola Jackson who has fought tirelessly turned 82 years - and was still fighting on all fronts - with a sharp mind - and urging me to do what is right. " Baby do what is right " she always says.

Today, December 5, 2015 she lies in the hospital at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco - in room 7408 - still sharp and in deep pain - from old age - and a body that gave it all - for the community at large.

Española Jackson was never afraid to speak to the " Truth " - a fearless leader who  would take any cause - be it here in San Francisco, in Sacramento - Nationwide.

The last eight Mayors of San Francisco knew her on a first name basis.

She had a sharp mind - and those who knew her - could not pull a fast one on her.

 Espanola Jackson would set you right - and in a manner that your would remember for the rest of your life - without hurting your feelings.

Española Jackson is a card carrying Muwekma Ohlone - having served the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe with me - a privilege bestowed by the Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Council.

The Muwekma Ohlone are the First People of the San Francisco area - known well to all at City Hall and those that respect - authority.

This land - all of it - ever square inch we call San Francisco - belongs to the Muwekma Ohlone.

The Chairperson of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe - Rosemary Cambra works closely with us two - and so do others - the Administrator Norma Sanchez - and those that matter on all things - for example the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

The many Shellmound sites that must be protected - Sacred Burial sites and so on.

The Bayview Hill was saved by Chairperson Rosemary Cambra and Espanola Jackson and others - few know this - but an important piece of information.

The Bayview Hill next to Candlestick Stadium (now torn down) that hill - that stares at us - the many developers - waiting to build homes - thousands of homes - it was saved as it contains the Sacred Remains of the Ohlone - and now you know - who save it.

Technically, the Bayview Hill now belongs to Recreation and Park - an entity that is greedy - and may sell the Bayview Hill and follow in the steps of the greedy - those that occupy City Hall and more Room 200 today.

Española Jackson hails from Shiro, Texas. Her family relocated to San Francisco in 1943.

Española Jackson resided in the Fillmore District also known as Western Addition before moving to the Bayview in 1948 - where she now owns a home on Ingalls Street.

Española Jackson is a proud mother of six children, 22 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Española Jackson went to the San Francisco Unified School District and attended San Francisco State University.

Espanola Jackson - fought hard to keep City College open - and attended those long meetings - at City Hall - always fight for the community and always addressing Quality of Life issues.

Together for years - we represent the Bayview Hunters Point as members of the Bayview Hunters Point Coordinating Council.

Española Jackson is a Board member - on the Southeast Sector Community Development Corporation - a stellar non-profit that is in good standing.

When I stated Environmental Justice Advocacy - I had Espanola Jackson in mind - to carry on - using " empirical data " - to fight for the community at large - that I do - to this day - this blog reflects the hard work of folks like Espanola Jackson - one of the few - the has NOT sold out to the greedy - those that I term the - " living dead ".

Española Jackson filled with the Holy Spirit has ministered to many - touched the souls of many - and has sacrificed and contributed immensely to many a Church, institution, and numerous individuals in need.

In 2007 Española Jackson joined the Grace Tabernacle Community Church under the leadership of Bishop Ernest L. Jackson who appointed her to the Mother Board of the Church.

Española Jackson has received hundreds of commendations - there is no politician - worth the soul - that does not know her - and more respects her for her hard work. 

She spearhead the Welfare Movement in Sacramento - bringing succor to single women, children, and a sense of responsibility to Fathers who failed to look after their children.

To this day - she cares for those that most need help - and in the last years - nearing this time - Espanola Jackson - would refer to me - cases that she thought - needed special attention. " Please help them baby - do it for me ".

Life is for the living - and as Espanola Jackson  slowly but surely  spends her last days - on this Earth - we wish her the best and send our prayers and good wishes.

She is alive today - the end is nearing - but as all good people know - they are ready - for there is nothing to hide - and those that love God - will be honored for all eternity - because their life was and is a - " open book ".

Española Jackson has fought a good fight, she has her heart in the right place - she called me - by my name when I went to see her - and by doing so - told me and others around - I am alive - I know who you are.

" Baby do the right thing " - you know; " we all love you - fight the good fight " - these words ring in my ear.

As many know for the last 30 years - Espanola and I -  have been in the trenches - fighting for the community - and winning - big time.

God has been good to Espanola Jackson and we who know her well - treasure the moments of her life - she shared with us all.

These last days - we hope God in His infinite mercy - will embrace His daughter and shine His light on Espanola Jackson for all - eternity.

3 comments:

  1. This is a very touching tribute to Dr. Jackson. She truly has the people at heart. Through the years, she has advocated for the marginalized and disenfranchised in San Francisco as well as the affluent whom she perceived as being mistreated. She is an icon of social justice and goodwill toward all people. Our prayers are for Espanola and with her family. It's clear that she's tired.

    As I think of her, I am reminded of the great apostle Paul who said, "I've fought a good fight, I've finished my course, I've kept the faith." Regardless of how you think of this great lady, or what your relationship is with her, you must give her her props as one who is tenacious and a fiery passion for what she believes in.

    Even now, as she lies in her sick bed, she is calling the doctors and nurses "baby," she is still belting out edicts and instructions concerning what must be down about the City's injustices and unfinished business,, especially its maltreatment of the communities she loves so well. Her body may be worn out, but her spirit says fight on! She is afterall, the one and only, Dr. Espanola Jackson.

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  2. This is a very touching tribute to Dr. Jackson. She truly has the people at heart. Through the years, she has advocated for the marginalized and disenfranchised in San Francisco as well as the affluent whom she perceived as being mistreated. She is an icon of social justice and goodwill toward all people. Our prayers are for Espanola and with her family. It's clear that she's tired.

    As I think of her, I am reminded of the great apostle Paul who said, "I've fought a good fight, I've finished my course, I've kept the faith." Regardless of how you think of this great lady, or what your relationship is with her, you must give her her props as one who is tenacious and a fiery passion for what she believes in.

    Even now, as she lies in her sick bed, she is calling the doctors and nurses "baby," she is still belting out edicts and instructions concerning what must be down about the City's injustices and unfinished business,, especially its maltreatment of the communities she loves so well. Her body may be worn out, but her spirit says fight on! She is afterall, the one and only, Dr. Espanola Jackson.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dear Francisco,I want you to know that we(the family)think that it was very DISRESPECTFUL on your part to have send out such a statement concerning Espanola,first, she is sick but not on her death bed as you made it sound,and second,any statement about her health will come from US;we are not happy about your article.Also you should not have released her room number.The family thank you for your love and concern for Espanola but we ask that you DO NOT release any more articles about her health without asking us first.Now to her friends and those concerned,Espanola is doing much better today.We had to move her to another room,as she needs to rest. ANY other statements will come from the family. We do ask that you pray for her speedy recovery. Thank you.- Rene.

    ReplyDelete