Jackson Family Project

Jackson Family Project

In remembrance of a family that reminds us that in the midst of adversity and injustice, the solution is embracing difference and building community.

This project serves the Prospect Park neighborhood, students at Pratt Community School, and the wider Minneapolis community. 

Your gift will support Jackson Family Project activities, such as "Jackson Family Day" at Pratt Community School and innovative public community education events. The Jackson Family Project is a partnership of Jackson family members, Pratt Parent-Teacher Organization, Pratt Community School, and Prospect Park Association.

Brief History

In 1908, Madison and Amy Woods Jackson moved into the Prospect Park neighborhood with their three young daughters, Marvel, Helen, and Zelma. The Jackson's were the first African American family to move into the all-white neighborhood. At this time, only 2,700 Black people lived in Minneapolis.

Their daughters were the first African American children to attend Pratt Community School. The Jackson’s built their home in Prospect Park in 1908. In 1909 they were subjected to protests because they were Black, as described in TPT’s documentary production “Jim Crow of the North.”  Madison Jackson was told that no one would play with his children. In response he built a playground in his yard. This was before the period of park and school playgrounds, and it turned out that many neighborhood children wanted to play with the Jackson children on the new playground. The Jacksons lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years and became important members of the community.

To learn more about this project: https://www.jacksonfamilyproject.org

Prospect Park Association: http://prospectparkmpls.org

Prospect Park Association

P.O. Box 141095

Minneapolis, MN 55414