Wadley recently honored the legacy of one of its natives, Dr. Roy A. Jackson, by naming a street after him and honoring his memory in a special service on his birthday, Friday, Oct. 20.
City officials gathered with members of Jackson’s family and friends at the intersection of Butts and Bedingfield Streets to pay tribute to this son of Wadley and his many contributions and unveil the new street sign at Roy A. Jackson Way.
“When Dr. Jackson was in Wadley, you knew he was in Wadley. We’ve heard stories of the people he helped get to college and his desire to see people get educated,” said Wadley Mayor Harold Moore.
Jackson was born in Wadley and grew up there before moving away to earn a degree in sociology from Savannah State College and later a master of education degree in political science from Savannah State and Armstrong State College. He eventually also earned a doctorate in political science from Howard University.
His areas of expertise included black politics, African politics, American government and international relations. His dissertation, entitled “Registration and Party Affiliation: A Case Study of Black Floridians” illustrated his commitment to understanding and enhancing political representation for African Americans. During the ceremony in Wadley Jackson’s many substantial contributions to education and community service were recognized by his family and friends.
“He was born to grow up in Wadley, Ga,” said Rev. Augusta Hall, “to leave and then attend college at Savannah State, to educate himself and do all that he could to make this world a better place….He gave himself to God and worked in the church. I think it is fitting testimony that a street in the city in which he was born, Wadley, Ga, be named in honor of him.”
Jackson served as a revered faculty member at Savannah State for 28 years where he held various titles, including Assistant Dean of Students, Dean of Students, Admissions Counselor and Director of Admissions. He was a combat veteran of the U.S. Army, having reached the rank of Sergeant E-5 and has been previously recognized with numerous awards, including Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, Outstanding Young Men of America, and Savannah State College Man of the Year. As a devoted member of various organizations, such as the NAACP and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Jackson actively contributed to the betterment of his community. During the service in Wadley, David Moton, President of Savannah State Alumni Augusta Chapter, called Dr. Jackson a man of integrity, honor and service.
Brian Hammond explained how the Dr. Jackson became his mentor and godfather.
“He saw the potential in me and took me in and made sure I was there in my classes, respected my teachers and my peers,” Hammond said. “He was so much like a father figure to me and cared so much. He taught me right from wrong and how to become a man. The best example I could have from him is doing the things for me and my family that people wouldn’t do. He saved my life and I am forever grateful.”
In addition to giving the street Dr. Jackson’s name, the city also presented his family with a proclamation naming Oct. 20, 2023, Dr. Roy A. Jackson Day in Wadley in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to education, leadership and community service.
