Bayview Advocate Espanola Jackson celebrates 75th year birthday - 50 years as an advocate.

Espanola Jackson has the distinction of working over 50 years as an ADVOCATE and recently celebrated her 75th Birthday.

She was the founder of the first Human Rights Committee that now has become the SF Human Rights Commission.

She was responsible for the City's first Free Lunch Program being established in San Francisco.

The Southeast Commission and the Southeast Facility owe a lot to her as a founding member.

Together with Harry Britt she worked on the Domestic Partners Legislation to include "all" partners (heterosexual and homosexual).

She was the co-founder of the Earth Day celebration held in Bayview Hunters Point before it was held anywhere else in the City.

She has served on the Executive Park Advisory Committee for over 30 years.

Espanola Jackson is an ICON and often times when she goes to City Hall - those that Chair the meetings and those that legislate - pay close attention to what she says.

Having being around for so long - she is an institution - and her institutional memory is immense - she can run by you dates and events because of her sharp mind and make her point.

Espanola Jackson has been recognized by the last SIX Mayors of San Francisco.

At yesterday 75th Birthday celebration held at the Grace Tabernacle Community Church - she received numerous commendations from the Government and other organizations.

The many eloquent speakers had many good things to say.

Her six children, 22 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, and one great, great-grandchild bear testimony to this Matriarch.

Here is one woman that has done so much for the City and County of San Francisco.

Espanola Jackson joins us every Thursday in our fight against Lennar Corporation. She is on the Right Side even as she has been all these many years.

Bishop Ernest Jackson and First Lady Doris Jackson hosted the celebration at the Grace Tabernacle Community Church at Ingalls and Oakdale Avenue.

It is difficult to find good leaders that stand by the people to do right today.

We do have leaders and most of them are on the take. They love to take the easy way out. Not so Espanola Jackson.

A long time ago Espanola Jackson worked with Rev. Duffy of Self Help for the Aging - in implementing a partnership with MUNI for a Five Cents Senior bus fare and with Fosters and Manning Restaurants for Seniors to purchase meals for FIFTY cents.

That was a long, long, long time ago - but all these years she has her heart in the right place:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/franciscodacosta/sets/72157603882834509/show/

Francisco Da Costa
Director
Environmental Justice Advocacy