In Ottawa, Kansas, Richard Jackson is described by many as a legend. Jackson was the city’s first African American mayor and dedicated his career to helping lift people out of poverty.
While he’s a well-known figure in Ottawa, few people know that he grew up a “ward of the court” in Rochester, moving from foster home to foster home and to Hillside when it was an orphanage. Jackson credits his mentors at Hillside and his alma mater, Ottawa University, for giving him the confidence and opportunities that helped him pave a path to success.
Jackson is back in Rochester for a visit at Hillside. He joins us in the studio to discuss his life, his commitment to public service and anti-poverty work, and more. Our guests:
- Richard Jackson, former mayor of Ottawa, Kansas; anti-poverty program administrator; and author of “Ward of the Court: The Life of Richard Jackson”
- Maria Cristalli, president and CEO of Hillside
