Bernard Jackson always hoped his life’s work in the corporate and political sectors would represent a profound fight for justice and equality for all. It also was his hope that his humble legacy would inspire the old guard to surrender the reigns of leadership to a new and younger guard, who would continue the never-ending battle to uplift the human race.
A Memorial Service was held at Corinthian Baptist Church, in the Oak Lane Section of Philadelphia, on Friday, October 11, 2013 for Bernard Jackson, a political consultant and advertising executive, who died on Tuesday, September 17, after a brief illness.
Mr. Jackson, the son of the late Rev. William Jackson and Ophelia (Blake) Jackson, was born in Baltimore on December 9, 1926. He spent his formative years in Everett, Massachusetts where his father served the Zion Baptist Church and where he served as a church pianist and organist.
During his career, Bernard Jackson served as CEO of two major construction companies successfully completing more than 50 federal, state, municipal and private projects. He later operated his own marketing consulting firm, Michael Allen Associates, serving both national, state and municipal clients. To his resume he may add service as a fundraiser for the SCLC with the late Martin Luther King, Jr.; an executive in the administrator of the late Mayor Frank Rizzo; a Ward Leader for the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia; and a Community Relations Specialist for the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, planning and implementing community relations programs that lead to the integration at the Board level of more than 200 health and welfare agencies funded by the United Way Fund Drive in the metropolitan Philadelphia area.
His illustrious career in the in the Advertising and Marketing fields included stints as the Advertising Director of the New York Amsterdam News, The Philadelphia Tribune, The National Leader and Ebony Magazine. Until his death, Mr. Jackson remained active as a political and marketing consultant and a contributing writer to various publications.
Educated in the Everett, Massachusetts public schools, Jackson later served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater, reaching the rank of Corporal. He later studied at Northeastern University, in Boston, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.
Jackson is survived by a son, Bernard Jackson, Jr., a daughter, Vanessa Jackson, and granddaughters Asia, Kemi, and Mariame. He also is survived by a host of relatives who reside in Tennessee, South Carolina, Massachusetts and Ohio. The family respectfully requests that any donations be forwarded to the attention of: Vanessa Jackson, C/O the James L. Minus Funeral Home, Inc., 2014 Lippincott Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003-2108.
Leave a Comment