Dorothy O. Jackson, a life-long resident of Akron, has been an advocate for the poor for more than 45 years. In 1984 she joined the staff of then Mayor Tom Sawyer as Deputy Mayor of intergovernmental relations.

Jackson’s advocacy work included working at Goodwill Industries training individuals with disabilities. She also directed services for more than 20,000 residents of Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority and is legendary for her work as an Interpreter for the Deaf.

Dorothy has served on scores of local, state and national boards and committees, including Akron General Medical Center, the United Way/Red Cross Partnership Council, Northeastern Educational Television of Ohio Inc., The National Retirement Communities for the Church of God, National City Bank CRA and The Junior League of Akron.

She has received awards for Women in History, American Lung Association, Ohio Black Women’s Leadership Caucus, NAACP, Western Reserve Girl Scout Council, Catholic Youth Organization, The University of Akron, United Way, Kent State University and many, many others. The Jewish National Fund presented her with the Tree of Life Award and named a park in her honor in Kiyrat Ekron, Israel.

For her tireless work in our community, AMHA named a 28 unit handicapped housing development the "Dorothy O. Jackson Terrace."

Ms. Jackson retired in July of 2003. She remains in Akron, still giving of herself.