Natchez High School graduates awarded scholarship by the Wharlest & Exerlena Jackson Legacy Project and Cold Case Justice Initiative

Khari Anderson and Henry Davis III were recognized in recent
news report by the Syracuse University College of Law

Khari Anderson

The Wharlest and Exerlena Jackson Legacy Project (Jackson
Legacy Project) and the Cold Case Justice Initiative (CCJI) of Syracuse
University College of Law have announced the inaugural recipients of the
Jackson Legacy Project Scholarship. Khari Anderson and Henry Davis III, both
Natchez High School Class of 2023 graduates, are the 2023 recipients of
scholarships.

Anderson and Davis submitted statements that addressed
the Jackson Legacy Project’s motto (Justice, Empowerment, Legacy), personal
experience or interest in racial or social justice activities, and how will
receiving the Jackson Legacy Project Scholarship assist your long-term goals to
contribute to movements for justice and social change.

Announced at the Jackson Legacy Project Seminar in 2022,
the Jackson Legacy Project Scholarship awards $500 scholarships to two current
senior high school students. This scholarship honors the legacy of Wharlest,
Sr. and Exerlena Jackson, for their selfless courage and sacrifice in the cause
of racial and social justice for all. The story of Wharlest and Exerlena
Jackson was told on the PBS Frontline film “American
Reckoning.”

“Love is the only force capable of transforming enemies
into friends,” says Wharlest Jackson Jr.

Henry Davis III

“I am so pleased that CCJI has helped the Jackson family
realize this goal to memorialize their parents’ legacy through the Wharlest and
Exerlena Jackson Legacy Scholarship.  The Jackson Legacy Scholarship will
support deserving students who will continue the work of racial and social
justice for which the Jacksons devoted their lives.  We look forward to
future events to commemorate the Jackson family’s legacy and contributions to a
just and inclusive American society,” says Paula Johnson, Professor and
Director of the Cold Case Justice Initiative.

Tamika Ford, Wharlest and Exerlena Jackson’s
granddaughter quotes Rosa Parks: “Memories of our lives, of our works, and
our deeds will continue in others.”

Wharlest and Exerlena Jackson’s daughter, Denise Jackson
Ford says, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are
plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah
29:11.”

Anderson writes, “Being awarded the Jackson Legacy
Project scholarship could jump-start my career as a cosmetologist and social
advocate for every hair type and every little girl and lady globally. This
long-term goal of mine could very well positively affect so many lives just by
them trusting me to enlighten them on the importance of their strands. I hope
to change the outlook of hair care companies as well as the cosmetology field.
The impact that this social change can have on this country and the world can
change for the better. I plan to help every person find the true beauty in
themselves and the ones around them by guiding each other through the thick and
thin of this very controversial topic.”

As part of his statement, Davis writes, “We must empower
one another instead of pulling down or killing one another. We must stand
together to do things that uplift our community and race. The people who
participated in and led the Civil Rights movement did it so there could be a
better place and environment for future generations. We must do the same. It is
my belief that every generation should get better. When we see our brothers and
sisters doing things that are not productive and cause harm, we must be that
voice to lead them to do better and to be wiser. I strive to be an example for
other young Black youth.”

About Wharlest Jackson

During the Civil Rights Movement, Wharlest and Exerlena
were active in Natchez, Adams County, MS to assist people of color to register
to vote, have a voice in their community, and increase educational and
employment opportunities. Wharlest became the Treasurer of the local NAACP
Chapter, in Natchez. Exerlena was also active in the movement for voter
registration and civil rights. Wharlest had the qualifications that earned him
a promotion within Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company for a job that previously
had been held only by Whites. The Ku Klux Klan was very active in the area, and
Wharlest was constantly threatened for his activism and his employment
position. He was murdered on February 27, 1967, when a bomb was detonated under
his truck when he left work.

No one has been held accountable for Wharlest Jackson’s
death. However, Wharlest and Exerlena’s work was not in vain. They were
courageous and their actions galvanized the community to insist on the equal
rights and civic participation that they fought for. The Jackson Legacy Project
will carry on their legacy by providing the annual two-day program to inspire
others to continue to fight for voting rights, education, and employment opportunities
for all people.

About the Cold Case Justice Initiative

The Cold Case Justice Initiative (CCJI) at Syracuse
University College of Law was co-founded by Professor Paula C. Johnson and
Professor Emerita Janis L. McDonald. Professor Johnson continues to direct the
Initiative. CCJI investigates unsolved racially motivated homicides and
disappearances, such as the Wharlest Jackson case, which occurred during the
Civil Rights Era and contemporary times. CCJI works to hold responsible parties
accountable and conducts relevant research, academic education, professional
training, public awareness, and memorial legacies of victims of racial crimes
who fought for the rights and freedoms of present and future generations. For
more information, visit CCJI.