The Jackson Family
How one family's courage inspired generations of change
The Jackson’s Story
The Jackson family in 1909, pictured on the front steps of their Prospect Park home during the time of the neighborhood protest against them.
Back row (left to right): Amy (mother), Zelma, Helen, Madison (father).
Front row: Marvel.
Welcome to Prospect Park
In 1908, Madison Jackson, Amy B. Jackson and their three daughters Marvel, Helen, and Zelma made history as the first Black family to move into Prospect Park, an all-white neighborhood in Minneapolis.
At the time, only 2,700 Black residents lived in all of Minneapolis. And the Jacksons faced intense racism, harassment and daily threats.
In 1909, neighbors warned Madison that if his family stayed in Prospect Park, his daughters — Marvel, Helen and Zelma — would have no one to play with simply due to the color of their skin.
Instead of retaliating with anger, Madison came up with a plan - to build a new playground in his family’s backyard that welcomed all children. As he had hoped, neighborhood children came to play with his daughters.
The Jackson’s playground quickly became a space for all children regardless of their race or background.
Madison’s decision to think creativity and inclusivity lives on as a beacon of resilience and hope in the community.
Marvel, Helen and Zelma were the first Black students to attend and graduate from Pratt Community School, marking an important step toward greater racial equality in Minneapolis education.
The Jackson family lived in Prospect Park for two decades, taking active roles and remaining respected members of the community.
The Jackson’s legacy remains a lasting beacon of inspiration and hope in Prospect Park.
Marvel, Helen and Zelma remained active leaders and activists in the fight for racial justice.
Helen Jackson became the YWCA’s first Black national president, working actively for racial equality and integration on a national scale
Marvel Jackson Cooke became a journalist in New York City, reporting on critical issues of race and labor. She often worked alongside Langston Hughes and W.E.B. Du Bois, highlighting Black women's experiences through journalism.
Zelma, the youngest daughter, became a fashion designer in New York City - a rarity in an industry dominated by white and/or male leadership.
The courage of Marvel, Helen, and Zelma helped pave the way for integrated education in Minneapolis, setting a powerful precedent for future generations.
Marvel, Helen & Zelma
Marvel Jackson
Helen Jackson
Zelma Jackson
Partners & Funders
The Jackson Family Project Committee includes descendants of the Jackson family—Sharon Peters, Judith Claytor, and Dr. Melvin Peters—as well as representatives from Pratt Community School, Pratt Parent-Teacher Organization, Prospect Park Association, and neighborhood residents.
Additional support includes the University of Minnesota Good Neighbor Fund, Prospect Park Coop Legacy Fund, City of Minneapolis Neighborhood Community Relations, and individual donors.
