Christine Osburn Jackson sits at her dining room table and reflects on her life’s work.

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Jackson, the longtime leader of an organization committed to empowering women and eliminating racism, is still inspiring generations through the ongoing racial justice work at the YWCA Greater Charleston.

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“It’s now more important that we sharpen our listening ears to the stories and testimonies of people like Mrs. Jackson,” Donaldson said. “Her story is not in a textbook. It’s not in a museum. In order for there to be historical record, we’re going to have to expand our efforts to capture the experiences of African Americans. That means we have to be more intentional in listening and recording and documenting those memories.”

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Jackson ended her monumental career when she retired in 2004, after 37 years with the YWCA. In addition to the challenges she faced professionally, she has overcome a host of personal obstacles that included cancer, a brain tumor and the loss of numerous friends and family members, including her husband and oldest child. Yet, when reflecting on her legacy, she is happy.

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“To not be born and raised in the area and to get a job like that and to meet so many people, it’s one of the best experiences anybody could ask for,” Jackson said.

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