Born in Boston in 1935, Ellen Jackson graduated from Girls’ Latin School and Boston State College before earning a master’s degree in education from Harvard University. She was a tireless activist, involved in voter registration, community development, and Democratic Party efforts. However, her most profound contribution was in education. Jackson co-founded Operation Exodus, which helped children of color from overcrowded schools in their neighborhoods access better-resourced schools in predominantly white areas. This initiative laid the groundwork for the 1972 NAACP lawsuit that led to the desegregation of Boston public schools.
In addition to her educational work, Jackson held leadership roles in various organizations, including as national director of the Black Women’s Community Development Foundation and director of affirmative action at Northeastern University. Her lasting legacy is honored through a fellowship at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and a day-care center in Mission Hill named in her memory.
