ppa Jackson Family Project
The Jackson Family legacy remains a lasting beacon of inspiration and hope in Prospect Park.
Co-Chairs: Jerry Stein & Susan Lardon-Fleming
The Jackson Family Project is a collaboration of:
- Jackson Family Members
- Prospect Park Association (PPA)
- Pratt Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
- Pratt Community School
The Jackson Family Project is funded by:
- PPA
- Pratt PTO
- University of Minnesota Good Neighbor Fund
- PPCLF
- City of Minneapolis Neighborhood Community Relations
- Individual gifts
website
www.JacksonFamilyProject.org.
CUrrent Projects
Projects that have developed out of this approach so far:
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2026 is 4th year of Jackson Family Day at Pratt School. Pratt students create history & art projects, including videos, about the Jackson family, integrating their family history with significant civil rights and other historical events. Students present their projects. Jackson family members, MPLS
School superintendent, school Board members, and Pratt teachers attended the May 15th, 2026 event. -
Creation of website and historical video to explain the history dating from the early 1900s.
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Creation of Jackson Family Playground at Pratt School with new playground equipment (completed September, 2025).
Annual community Event
What: "Marvel Jackson Cooke, A Life in Journalism: Gathering & Discussion"
When: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Where: Prospect Park United Methodist Church, 22 SE Orlin Avenue
This year's Jackson Family Project community event will feature the inspiring journalism of Marvel Jackson Cooke, eldest of the three Jackson daughters raised in Prospect Park. Marvel was the first African American student to attend Pratt school and became a pioneering journalist and activist. Cooke's writing made her a star in mainstream media. She won recognition for her undercover reporting in her article “The Bronx Slave Market,” where she exposed the horrible working conditions of New York City domestic workers. Flyer.
The Jackson Family Project is a partnership of Jackson family members, Prospect Park Association, Pratt PTO, and Pratt school faculty. The project is funded by the University of Minnesota Good Neighbor Fund, City of Minneapolis Neighborhood Community Relations, Prospect Park Association, Prospect Park Co-op Legacy Fund, and Pratt PTO.
Key actions:
- LISTEN to members and groups in our community from whom we are disconnected.
- LEARN what issues matter to them.
- ASK if our community organization can give them meaningful support.
- TRANSFORM how we do community work so these new relationships endure.
If you want to be involved, have some new ideas or want to learn more please contact us.
monthly meetings
Watch the PPA calendar for information about our next meeting.