VISIONS Newsletter - Jul-Aug, 2005 - Published Bi-Monthly |
| Dr. Edgar B. Jackson, Jr. Recognized Medical Center Conference Room Named in His Honor By Henry Ford |
Sometimes a short description is enough to tell the story,
such as in the movie title “Officer and a Gentleman.” In
other scenarios, such as the life of Dr. Edgar B. Jackson,
Jr., the story cannot be easily compacted. Once again,
thanks to knowing people in high places (Our Godmother
Willie Gardner), I was able to attend one of the many
celebrations honoring this internationally recognized
doctor, researcher, pioneer, community leader and just
plain down-to-earth Brother. The occasion this time was
the naming of the conference room at the Otis Moss, Jr. -
University Hospitals Medical Center. The center is the
vision and the product of Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., Pastor of
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. Rev. Moss is a story
unto himself, but we will save that for later.
Although the program was not long, it was filled with
accolade upon accolade attesting to the accomplishments
and contributions of Dr. Jackson. To those at the program
who had known Dr. Jackson only within the confines of his
office practice, or his research, or his church or community
involvement, or as a family man, they were quickly re-
educated.
The real Dr. Jackson, the entire Dr. Jackson, is actually so
well-rounded that his specific and unique accomplishments
are lost in his all-encompassing personality. With an
infectious smile that forbids anyone within 50 yards to
frown, Dr. Jackson disarms and converts his enemies (if he
has any), strengthens his associates, and makes his family
and friends absolutely giddy. It was not hard at all to
understand why so many of his accomplishments could be
considered diplomatic.
Seated with his lovely wife and amidst most of his children,
Dr. Jackson listened intently and responded humbly after
speaker after speaker commented briefly on how they
benefited personally, professionally or spiritually (or all of
the aforementioned) from Dr. Jackson being in their lives.
After the program, let us not forget the lunch, catered by
The Mustard Seed Cafe of Solon, Ohio.
Program participants in alphabetical order included:
Terrence Copeland Esquire, General Counsel
Olivet Housing and Community Development Corporation
Patricia Harris-Thomas, Soloist
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
Dr. Carla M. Harwell, Medical Director
Otis Moss, Jr. University Hospitals Medical Center
Dr. Edgar B. Jackson, Jr., Honoree, etc.
Dr. Margaret J. Mitchell, Closing Remarks/Benediction
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., Pastor
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
Rev. Clem Norman, Associate Minister
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
Betty Pinkney, Program Director
Olivet Housing and Community Development Corporation
David Thomas, Assistant Minister of Music
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
Anthony Whitfield, Vice Chair
Olivet Housing and Community Development Corporation
Thomas F. Zenty, III, President & CEO
University Hospitals Health System
So what about the “private” Dr. Jackson? What about the
Dr. Jackson who after an awards ceremony, might be
“Walking on Cloud Nine.” It is said that true character is
determined by what you do when no one is watching. Well,
as I have done at so many programs I’ve attended (where I’
ve had a good seat), I ran my video camera, made a VCR
tape (don’t have the CD burner technology yet), and
created some photos of the ceremony. I made a copy for
“Ma Gardner” of course, and as I have done many times
before, I produced a set for the honoree. Dianne and I
gave both sets to “Ma Gardner,” trusting her rather than
the Post Office for timely and safe delivery or
arrangements.
After Dr. Jackson picked up his surprise package
containing the VCR Tape and photos, he had several
choices. He could have done like so many busy people,
shrugged his shoulders and said to himself, “OH this is
nice.” He could have come up just a little higher and
directed one of his subordinates to “Call and thank What’s
His Name” for this stuff. He could have and did step up
even a little higher than that, making a personal phone call
to me and saying enthusiastically “Thank you so much for
these, my family and I will truly cherish this forever.” That
phone call and conversation is a part of Dr. Jackson’s
legacy.
And Thank You Dr. Jackson, for acting so wisely, so
compassionately, so boldly, and so decisively in your life;
that you have in the past, and will in the future, make a
positive difference in the lives of everyone you come in
contact with.
such as in the movie title “Officer and a Gentleman.” In
other scenarios, such as the life of Dr. Edgar B. Jackson,
Jr., the story cannot be easily compacted. Once again,
thanks to knowing people in high places (Our Godmother
Willie Gardner), I was able to attend one of the many
celebrations honoring this internationally recognized
doctor, researcher, pioneer, community leader and just
plain down-to-earth Brother. The occasion this time was
the naming of the conference room at the Otis Moss, Jr. -
University Hospitals Medical Center. The center is the
vision and the product of Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., Pastor of
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. Rev. Moss is a story
unto himself, but we will save that for later.
Although the program was not long, it was filled with
accolade upon accolade attesting to the accomplishments
and contributions of Dr. Jackson. To those at the program
who had known Dr. Jackson only within the confines of his
office practice, or his research, or his church or community
involvement, or as a family man, they were quickly re-
educated.
The real Dr. Jackson, the entire Dr. Jackson, is actually so
well-rounded that his specific and unique accomplishments
are lost in his all-encompassing personality. With an
infectious smile that forbids anyone within 50 yards to
frown, Dr. Jackson disarms and converts his enemies (if he
has any), strengthens his associates, and makes his family
and friends absolutely giddy. It was not hard at all to
understand why so many of his accomplishments could be
considered diplomatic.
Seated with his lovely wife and amidst most of his children,
Dr. Jackson listened intently and responded humbly after
speaker after speaker commented briefly on how they
benefited personally, professionally or spiritually (or all of
the aforementioned) from Dr. Jackson being in their lives.
After the program, let us not forget the lunch, catered by
The Mustard Seed Cafe of Solon, Ohio.
Program participants in alphabetical order included:
Terrence Copeland Esquire, General Counsel
Olivet Housing and Community Development Corporation
Patricia Harris-Thomas, Soloist
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
Dr. Carla M. Harwell, Medical Director
Otis Moss, Jr. University Hospitals Medical Center
Dr. Edgar B. Jackson, Jr., Honoree, etc.
Dr. Margaret J. Mitchell, Closing Remarks/Benediction
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., Pastor
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
Rev. Clem Norman, Associate Minister
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
Betty Pinkney, Program Director
Olivet Housing and Community Development Corporation
David Thomas, Assistant Minister of Music
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
Anthony Whitfield, Vice Chair
Olivet Housing and Community Development Corporation
Thomas F. Zenty, III, President & CEO
University Hospitals Health System
So what about the “private” Dr. Jackson? What about the
Dr. Jackson who after an awards ceremony, might be
“Walking on Cloud Nine.” It is said that true character is
determined by what you do when no one is watching. Well,
as I have done at so many programs I’ve attended (where I’
ve had a good seat), I ran my video camera, made a VCR
tape (don’t have the CD burner technology yet), and
created some photos of the ceremony. I made a copy for
“Ma Gardner” of course, and as I have done many times
before, I produced a set for the honoree. Dianne and I
gave both sets to “Ma Gardner,” trusting her rather than
the Post Office for timely and safe delivery or
arrangements.
After Dr. Jackson picked up his surprise package
containing the VCR Tape and photos, he had several
choices. He could have done like so many busy people,
shrugged his shoulders and said to himself, “OH this is
nice.” He could have come up just a little higher and
directed one of his subordinates to “Call and thank What’s
His Name” for this stuff. He could have and did step up
even a little higher than that, making a personal phone call
to me and saying enthusiastically “Thank you so much for
these, my family and I will truly cherish this forever.” That
phone call and conversation is a part of Dr. Jackson’s
legacy.
And Thank You Dr. Jackson, for acting so wisely, so
compassionately, so boldly, and so decisively in your life;
that you have in the past, and will in the future, make a
positive difference in the lives of everyone you come in
contact with.
| Dr. Edgar B. Jackson, Jr. |
| Mrs. Jackson |
