- Title
- Interview with Marcy Jackson
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- Identifier
- uthjackson
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- Subjects
- ["Race relations","Towson State University -- Students","Towson State University"]
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- Description
- Interview with Marcy Jackson, who was a student and graduate of Towson State College in the 1990s. Conducted as part of the Unearthing Towson University History Project.
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- Date Created
- 22 March 2024
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- Language
- ["English"]
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- Collection Name
- ["Unearthing Towson University History Project"]
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Interview with Marcy Jackson
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00:00:03.040 - 00:00:16.750
Azariah Moore: Okay. Azariah Moore: again. Thank you for joining us today. I'm gonna briefly introduce myself. Azariah Moore: And then give you time to introduce yourself. And then I'm gonna go ahead and get started with the questions. If that's okay. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: That's great.
00:00:16.850 - 00:00:44.090
Azariah Moore: Okay. So my name's Azariah Moore. I'm a senior at Towson majoring in International Studies with double minors in Political science and Japanese. Azariah Moore: and I'm a research assistant for the unearthing Towson, unearthing Towson's history Project at the special collections and university archives, and I'm very excited to speak with you today, especially with our commonality. So I'm excited to pick your brain about those. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Likewise Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you want me to introduce myself.
00:00:45.110 - 00:01:28.710
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Oh, okay, sorry. Yeah. So Hi, yeah, we'll have to edit that. My apologies. I'm Marcy Jackson and Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I am. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: a graduate of TU from, actually celebrating 30 years since, being honored as Tu's outstanding woman of the year. So this is a great time for this interview. But I graduated in 94 class of 94 and my major was international studies. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And my minor was Asian studies, and my focus concentration was Japanese language.
00:01:29.840 - 00:01:44.910
Azariah Moore: That's so fun I was. I saw that when I was doing some research, and I was so excited cause I was like, Oh, my gosh, like the Japanese club, is still here, like I've I've met some people who do it so. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Oh, wow! Azariah Moore: Yeah. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah. So the
00:01:45.970 - 00:02:05.200
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: the Japanese club. Wow. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: like many things. When you Marcy Rachamim Jackson: have this sort of Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I don't know. I I would say it's a gift, or a yearning, or a charge or passion a calling even for just sort of trailblazing or pioneering, or whatever you want to call it
00:02:06.620 - 00:02:24.570
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: You've you're looking for opportunity Marcy Rachamim Jackson: to meet a need. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And what was happening with the Japanese club was. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know. Here we are, you know. I had chosen Japanese as my language. That's a funny story of itself. And then
00:02:25.010 - 00:03:20.420
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and then I'm looking for resources. And I'm looking for, you know, because we need to be able to practice, we need to be able to become a a bit more Marcy Rachamim Jackson: aware and learn it in culture, because language and culture is uniquely related. And you can't really do well in one without the other. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And so I wanted to find out where we could do this. And so I'm looking around. And all this, and I never found anything. And that's where you know, it's like, Okay, well, let's do a Japanese club. Let's let's let's do something about this and so a group of students got together. And I sort of made some appointments. Okay, you do this. You do this, and and we started pulling it together, and I think all the Marcy Rachamim Jackson: it was mixed. I mean, there were
00:03:21.220 - 00:03:50.370
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: people from a variety of ethnicities involved. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: because we were all kind of looking for something that was similar. And it was it was really good. I'm grateful for it. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: We wound up, we would do activities on campus like we would Marcy Rachamim Jackson: do. I don't know what they do now, but like we would do stuff in the in the hall have tables. We would write people's names in Kanji.
00:03:51.750 - 00:04:19.050
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: we would. We hosted Marcy Rachamim Jackson: when students would come over exchange students. So we would do activities with them. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And just. It was just good for people to see that there was a a representation of Japanese culture around the college. Azariah Moore: Yeah, I love that, especially like your bit about like trailblazing and making the way I feel like that'll come up a lot today in our conversation.
00:04:21.120 - 00:04:30.180
Azariah Moore: but yeah, so I have a set of about 13 questions for you. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah, okay. Azariah Moore: I might have some more that pop up in my head as I go on. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Okay.
00:04:30.860 - 00:04:46.180
Azariah Moore: But I'm gonna start with the first set. So they're just kind of basic questions about attending Towson State University. Azariah Moore: it was. It was Towson. Yeah, It was Towson State University when you came so. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah. Azariah Moore: Yes, yeah, I always have to double check when I'm talking to
00:04:46.500 - 00:05:02.620
Azariah Moore: my interviewees, because I'm like it. The name changed so many times. Azariah Moore: So my first question just to get it started is, what influenced you into attending Towson State University. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: That's a great question. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: so
00:05:03.050 - 00:05:37.260
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I had been a Marcy Rachamim Jackson: a track athlete track and field. I would say it would definitely probably sports Marcy Rachamim Jackson: initially, because I mean while I knew I was going to college in high school, my focus area in high school was business Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and whereas some of my other my friends, they were doing skills like they went to vo-tech, a vocational technical career for part of their high school day because they wanted to focus on a you know, a career skill, a technical skill.
00:05:37.340 - 00:06:16.150
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And I was one of the only one of the bunch that kind of stayed back. And my, I spent the afternoons in the business department, and you know, learning everything about business and typing and all of those kinds of things. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And so it was. So I knew that you know there would be some some college that would Marcy Rachamim Jackson: be in my future, you know. I knew I would go to college, most of my elders before me on my, the generation right above me. They went to Morgan and Marcy Rachamim Jackson: for some reason, you know. Obviously there was a opportunity and a thought about
00:06:16.630 - 00:06:25.380
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: going to an HBCU Marcy Rachamim Jackson: but I just Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I was kind of just Marcy Rachamim Jackson: leading with also.
00:06:26.210 - 00:07:04.780
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: just unsure. I just really wasn't sure. So I visited a lot of schools. And obviously I looked at schools, and I was focused on their track and field program because by that point in high school I was a state medalist in high school in a couple of events, and so I was pretty good. So Towson offered me a partial scholarship. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and they were local, and I hadn't. I don't. I don't think I had really really considered it like it. I don't. I don't recall it being like one of the initial schools that I had really thought about. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So Towson, Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and
00:07:04.880 - 00:07:25.120
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and that's that's that's where it started. It started with with track and field and Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and everything else. I didn't declare my major till junior year, I mean I still, you know, it was maybe ha! Almost Marcy Rachamim Jackson: halfway through I kind of looked back, and I said. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I looked at the classes I had taken.
00:07:25.630 - 00:07:53.610
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and what I had gravitated towards. You know I let I let my interests and my experiences kind of Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, direct me into what I wanted to to focus on, and I look back, and I had thought all the you know, the kind of sociology and geography and history, and all of how that really was important to me. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And so Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that led me there.
00:07:53.810 - 00:08:29.840
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that's beautiful. I love that. Azariah Moore: So my next question is, was there especially since you never really thought about Towson? It wasn't one of your top choices. Was there a reputation of Towson that you knew of before you attended, or when they offered you the scholarship. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: No, I mean. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, obviously, I I wanted to learn more about their athletic program. I wanted to make sure. And you know, meeting the coach and the staff and you know it was pretty clear that there was some opportunity there for
00:08:31.890 - 00:08:59.280
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: for the you know, to do well, athletically. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I know they had a really good, I think, at that time really good football and basketball team Marcy Rachamim Jackson: back then. I'm not saying it isn't now just not as familiar. But So Marcy Rachamim Jackson: so yeah, I'm sorry I don't recall if you know what it was, I know I've learned since that it was well known for nursing.
00:09:00.500 - 00:09:19.750
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And so that that's really fascinating. So Marcy Rachamim Jackson: hopefully that helps. Azariah Moore: Yeah, no worries. Azariah Moore: okay. So my next question, which is very related to your article that you were in was what were initial impressions of the racial climate on campus when you first arrived.
00:09:23.190 - 00:09:45.450
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: my initial impressions. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Honestly, I Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I will probably have to say Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So my experience was pretty interesting. When I started at Towson. I didn't start on campus
00:09:46.280 - 00:10:27.880
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I started as a you know. All of my family were from Baltimore, or most of my family is from Baltimore, and so I lived with my grandfather. My first semester, I think. So my first semester. I live with my grandfather, and I commuted, so I took the bus to campus. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and then the second semester is, when I got on dorm in my first semester I lived in a triple. Azariah Moore: Hmm. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And interestingly, that was probably my first experience dealing with race relations, because there were 2, It was 2 white girls who were my roommates
00:10:30.230 - 00:11:41.090
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and there were some issues. There were some issues. And you know, we certainly addressed it or quote no quote, worked it out. But there were some issues. And so that I guess probably that was my my first yeah, I had graduated from Wildlake High School in Columbia, Maryland, which is Marcy Rachamim Jackson: a pretty, you know. My exposure is pretty diverse, you know. What I will say was diverse, but there were lots of lots of white kids and lot. And you know, several several black kids, you know, there. So I was, I was used to being around. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, multiple. The, you know, diversity of people, especially because by that point I had lived in Japan. I had, I mean, not Japan. I lived in Germany. I had traveled around so you know I was familiar. It wasn't any, so I felt like Towson would be a a good a larger example, a larger setting, just like my High School wildlife High School was. So Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I didn't have any concerns. But I I really didn't have any expectation of having any issues but
00:11:41.170 - 00:11:53.670
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: close spaces create. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: interesting situations. So that that worked out Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and then in terms of around campus, it just became
00:11:54.120 - 00:12:27.440
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: more and more as I began to Marcy Rachamim Jackson: speak. Opportunities. you realize you have needs. You start to you start to hear about issues, you know, so you might go to a meeting about something. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I got involved in. Sage, I got involved There was a black student union there. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Excuse me, dr. Camille Clay was a huge influence around that time.
00:12:27.460 - 00:13:06.480
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And so, you know. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: being being around a lot of different Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I guess experiences and meetings. You start to hear about issues. So as you start to hear about issues, then, and you start to recognize that some of these issues you can relate to you begin to say, Okay, well, what can I do about this? And so that's when I think I had Marcy Rachamim Jackson: convened all the black organizations around some kind of consort affinity group. So I created some affinity group where all the black organizations would get together, and I guess we have a forum to address our issues.
00:13:07.240 - 00:13:26.020
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and Marcy Rachamim Jackson: so I think through that and just some of my experiences that probably led to my voice on the race relations. Azariah Moore: Yeah, that's I. I didn't see anything about the forum of the black student organization that's really interesting. Azariah Moore: Do a lot.
00:13:26.020 - 00:13:53.090
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So they don't. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah, there, there was a yeah. There was a black student union that had been established for many years. But like in most things a lot of times. You have organization, somebody doing this, somebody doing that, somebody doing this, somebody working on that, you know, everybody's kind of addressing all these different things, and so Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I wanted. I thought it'd be good if we all kind of got together and had some kind of representation in voice Marcy Rachamim Jackson: around the work that we were doing.
00:13:53.580 - 00:14:06.960
Azariah Moore: That's really interesting. I might have to speak to you more about that later. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Okay. Yeah. Azariah Moore: So my next few questions are going to be about the article that initially got this interview started. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Okay.
00:14:08.110 - 00:14:14.770
Azariah Moore: And just kind of picking your brain about Azariah Moore: all things that articles. So I'll just go ahead. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah. Okay. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Okay.
00:14:16.060 - 00:14:33.770
Azariah Moore: So first off. I might know the answer. But what led you to participating in this conversation? Marcy Rachamim Jackson: If I'm not mistaken. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I would assume. When was the year of that article. Azariah Moore: I believe it was 1993.
00:14:36.180 - 00:14:56.320
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So I'm not sure if by that point Marcy Rachamim Jackson: what my status was in terms of like. If Marcy Rachamim Jackson: if if the award for outstanding woman of the year had had been Marcy Rachamim Jackson: awarded. If I have won that yet or not
00:14:56.720 - 00:15:23.830
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I would imagine that I would have been selected because of that, but I I don't know why. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Why I was asked to participate. I don't recall. I mean, it could be a number of reasons. It could have been my involvement in Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I mean by that point I was involved in Project Lou Project lean on us, which is was a fantastic organization. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And we did a lot of work.
00:15:24.450 - 00:15:49.860
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: transitional housing shelters in Baltimore City. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So you know, obviously, you're seeing the impact that systemic racism is having on Marcy Rachamim Jackson: on black people and their children, and sort of the generational impact. So I'm sure there were a number of reasons why that article, why was included in that. Azariah Moore: Hmm! That's really.
00:15:51.610 - 00:16:11.450
Azariah Moore: Okay. So my next question is out. So Azariah Moore: prior to this, you know, open circle type setting. Azariah Moore: did you find yourself having similar conversations Azariah Moore: about race relations on campus outside of spaces that were kind of pre set up for you, like the article.
00:16:12.710 - 00:16:56.460
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah, I mean, whoever established the Black Student Union, and I'm sorry I don't know that name, but whoever established that initially, I mean that was fantastic. I mean, that was a that was the place where it was a Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know. If you if you don't have, if you're not at Hbcu. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: You gotta have a black student Union, right? You have to have a place, a safe place where you can go feel comfortable. Venting, or, you know, having your issues heard a another place as a sage peer mentor I think it was upstairs in the student Union. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Ralph Woodus and Vicki
00:16:57.400 - 00:17:44.740
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: up there. That was a place where I also felt very safe. In in sharing as a as a peer mentor. But also, you know, as this emerging leader on campus, I felt like that was a place that we could talk to the adults another safe place. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Talk to the adults and share, you know, with the peers kind of what's what was going on. You know, obviously around academics, but also, as it relates to race relations going on. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Another safe place was Dr. Camille Clay's office. You know she was a place where we could. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know. Certainly vent get recommendations, get solutions, get ideas.
00:17:45.590 - 00:17:58.760
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Get perspective. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So I think, having Marcy Rachamim Jackson: figures like that on campus in places like that. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: You could.
00:17:59.070 - 00:18:46.750
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: You could Marcy Rachamim Jackson: do well at a predominantly white institution. If you have systems and resources in place that can be supportive. And so. I don't feel like I missed out on anything Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And in terms of you know, of having that even talking to my professor of history, who I really liked a lot, and he and he was. He was. He was a white gentleman. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and he you know I could talk to him when it came to the Japanese piece, right? And some of the Japanese relations and racial challenges, and just kind of that diversity element. So I spend a lot of time, you know.
00:18:46.850 - 00:19:01.970
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: channeling issues there. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And when I did a study abroad, in Japan Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that probably was a big one, you know, in terms of race relations, and having to Marcy Rachamim Jackson: address it.
00:19:02.180 - 00:19:35.050
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know. Here I was, you know, at Towson, in my own little world sort of among like minded people who were, you know, willing to participate in this sort of cross cultural Marcy Rachamim Jackson: dialogue and engagement. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Now, all the way on the other side of the world by myself, you know. Living in a in a in a place that was Marcy Rachamim Jackson: didn't know I was coming. I'll say that
00:19:35.060 - 00:20:15.480
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: didn't know I was coming and so, you know, you're on the subway or the the what is the bullet train. I forgot the name of it in Japanese. But you're on the train, and you're or for me, like I rode my bicycle around Japan. So you're around these places all by yourself. And so you're having to, you know. And then when you open your mouth, you're speaking Japanese. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: But your face is not, you know, matching up. And people are looking at you like, okay, that doesn't make that. That's not a fit. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So that was really fascinating Marcy Rachamim Jackson: But I found again.
00:20:15.610 - 00:20:37.200
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I found I went to Tokyo and found a organization, so Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I hope I don't know if this is getting off topic. But if I can continue, this was this was interesting. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I found in Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And so one of the things when I when I got to Japan.
00:20:37.570 - 00:21:28.480
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: one of the things I wanted to do was some independent research on race relations. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So I wanted to know, how did Japanese feel about black Americans? Because at this point I wanted to be an ambassador like I I was on a mission. I was like, I need to bridge the cultures. They don't know about us, and we don't know about them. And I was on this mission and so Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I decided I wanted to do some research. So I did independent research where I went around to maybe 3 or 4 higher education institutions like. So around, I think, I went on the main island as well as and one of the others I don't know if I went to. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I don't know. I don't remember, but I know. I went to Tokyo University. I went to
00:21:28.900 - 00:21:44.140
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: a couple others Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and just interviewed Marcy Rachamim Jackson: students around campus interview professors Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and really, and then wound up writing an article, and I presented the article.
00:21:44.570 - 00:22:52.820
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: There was a a small group, like a African American society, of something. It was down like it was on one of the streets in Tokyo, like downstairs like in a like. You went through this dark hallway, and it was I just remember it was like on the side, and you open the door, and it's like, Oh. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: there you guys are, you know, it's like, okay. And so there was a, you know, a handful of people that look like me. And they were older, of course, and they they were Marcy Rachamim Jackson: navigating this world of of living in Japan and and and having to kind of also carry their black culture with them, and so I was able to present my research to them and share my findings, and they they published it in their journal and I used to have a copy, but Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that's gone too. But anyway, it was, it was lovely to have that experience, and so I could come back, and people could ask me questions about what was it like in Japan? And I could really give them, you know, an answer about you know what that was like. Then.
00:22:53.530 - 00:23:22.980
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: one of the interesting experiences with with race then is, I went to I was walking, going, shopping and you know, one of the remote towns, probably somewhere in Kyoto, and Marcy Rachamim Jackson: just happened to go into the store and went a little further back. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and I found a case full of miniature Black Sambo. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Little glass, Black Sambo characters. I have a picture of it.
00:23:23.480 - 00:23:43.730
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and that to me, when you talk about like what was the introductions to race relations for you at Towson like going there in Japan and seeing Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that Marcy Rachamim Jackson: caricature, I was not prepared for that. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Not prepared for that.
00:23:45.110 - 00:24:06.240
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I mean. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I'm going to buy some Japanese you know, figurines, or you know, something culture or postcard, or whatever I was not prepared to have to confront. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Decades, old misperceptions about my people. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that's all I.
00:24:06.700 - 00:24:24.660
Azariah Moore: Oh, go go ahead! Marcy Rachamim Jackson: No, so that was it that that so that was that was quite interesting. Azariah Moore: I was. Gonna add on to that. I just got back from Cuba actually, yesterday, and as I was souvenir shopping, I kept seeing very Azariah Moore: What's the word? Like? Stereotypical American
00:24:25.290 - 00:25:04.240
Azariah Moore: blackface in like the the dolls, and I know for them it holds a very different meeting. But. Azariah Moore: It's not American lens I had to like, check myself and be like, hold on! This is not what you think it is, but it looks like what you think it is. But it was very yeah. But I wanted to clarify. I think that that was all very much on topic. And you know, commitment to race relations. Discussions especially. I didn't know that it really like ran that deep for you, I didn't know that you studied abroad with the intention of learning about race relations. So Azariah Moore: I think it adds on to maybe why you were picked for this conversation. I think you have a lot. Azariah Moore: So yeah.
00:25:05.150 - 00:25:25.030
Azariah Moore: okay. So my, my next question is, what were the reactions? To the article when it came out? If you knew of any like. Did anyone come up to you and say anything? Azariah Moore: Did you feel safe? After the article had come out? Things of that nature. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: yeah, Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I think it was just.
00:25:25.240 - 00:25:37.490
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I mean, first of all, we were on the front cover of the towerlight. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I mean, I think that Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that was just the shocking thing I mean Marcy Rachamim Jackson: so to have
00:25:37.540 - 00:26:23.500
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that newspaper just sitting all around the campus, and and I thought that was that was fascinating, that so we were all just excited, that Marcy Rachamim Jackson: on the news, you know. And Marcy Rachamim Jackson: but I think it just it just can sparked additional conversation. You know, it gave us additional talking points, because, as you know, whenever you're interviewed, you typically can't cover everything so. And the questions we were asked were pretty prescriptive and the responses we gave so it gave us a chance to talk more. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So and I. And and if I recall when I don't
00:26:23.850 - 00:27:13.790
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: think we weren't interviewed, it wasn't necessarily that we were interviewed in the same room. I think it was, it was separate. So we had a chance to come together. And at some point, and we were able to say, Oh, yeah, you know, you said this. And yeah, that was a great point. So it gave us a chance to really just chat about it a little bit, and answer people's questions and give people. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Let people know that we were okay talking about it like, it's okay to be honest. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And I think that's what people are struggling with. And that's why we went through all the years of people saying they don't see color like what is that? I mean, you know. So it's like. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, you ha! It's okay to be honest about what you see and what you feel. You know it's
00:27:14.350 - 00:27:40.320
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: the the goal is not to offend, but in the process you might. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and if you can, be respectful and considerate Marcy Rachamim Jackson: in your words as as much as you can. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you. You have to. You have to bring truth and awareness, because that's where you you know you can get if if you're trying to get any type of healing or to any type of solution.
00:27:40.580 - 00:28:04.920
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: You know, just just like when you go to the doctor, you know, you have to tell the truth. Where are you taking your medicine? I need to know right? You know you've got it, because otherwise, if you don't have all the pieces to the puzzle. You can't put it together. Azariah Moore: Right? That's a very good point. Azariah Moore: I'm glad that it was able to spark some further conversation. I think the conversation that was shared was very important and very like Azariah Moore: I don't know where, like
00:28:05.320 - 00:28:37.560
Azariah Moore: valuable. So I'm happy to hear that it was continued, after which I I assumed it would have, because again, you're on the front cover, and it was like multiple pages of Azariah Moore: answers. So that's very interesting. Azariah Moore: So my next question is, kind of we've touched on it. But you were involved in a lot of different organizations, sports, very active student on campus. Azariah Moore: I was wondering, how do you think that that experience? Those experiences influence your perception of Towson at the time.
00:28:41.950 - 00:29:01.170
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I think those experiences just Marcy Rachamim Jackson: The word that comes to mind is accessible. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Everything was accessible to me. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and I guess if you know, for people who will see this in the future.
00:29:02.640 - 00:29:21.600
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, accessibility. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: is a confidence builder. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: meaning if I can be a part of this if I can. You know I did. I never. I didn't feel like Marcy Rachamim Jackson: things were closed to me.
00:29:21.750 - 00:30:03.380
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, at Towson. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, from the faculty having open door policies to the safe spaces being open, I mean don't get me wrong. I'm sure there were issues and challenges, but I felt like the world was. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: It was accessible. So my perception of Towson is. You can go on, Towson, and do what you need to do. Do. Whatever you want to do is available to you. You know. That's how I felt. If I wanted to start a Japanese club I could do it. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, if I wanted to bring organizations together, we could do it
00:30:03.590 - 00:30:36.270
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: if I wanted to. You know, whatever, whatever it was, you know. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I I didn't feel like they were limitations. You know whether it was studying in the library or you know. Even the dining hall had unlimited food. You just paid your ticket, or whatever we did you. Just Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that was not a good thing. I don't know if that still happens, but that's not a healthy thing. I I definitely had some Marcy Rachamim Jackson: issues. What'd you say?
00:30:36.270 - 00:30:47.830
Azariah Moore: It still happenes. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I mean, it's a good thing I mean back then it was Marcy Rachamim Jackson: chicken burgers. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: French fries, and ice cream. That was my thing.
00:30:49.400 - 00:31:08.030
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah. Azariah Moore: Yes. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: That wasn't a good. Azariah Moore: that perception coming through your answers, visibility. And it's like, you know, if you want to make something happen. You kind of have to
00:31:08.310 - 00:31:33.010
Azariah Moore: like you, said Trailblazer Trailblazer, and make it. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Muslim. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah, I mean, it's it's definitely, you know. It wasn't anything where people are coming up to you. You know where you know it's it's easy. And people are just you. You have to. You have to find the need and create it. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: But it it wasn't like there was an extreme amount of
00:31:33.410 - 00:31:48.640
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, of of Marcy Rachamim Jackson: obstacles, I guess. At least that was just not my case. Now, maybe now, what I do hear from people Marcy Rachamim Jackson: is that I make things look easy. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So.
00:31:48.980 - 00:32:08.100
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I will say, you know, I maybe I should say that with a grain of salt but Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I think that's just with anything in life, if there's something, and you see a need, and you have the ability to fill it. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: That's what you should do. And you should set about a process to go and do it
00:32:08.290 - 00:32:51.140
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: wherever you are. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And that that piece about accessibility is really important, because now the work that I do is with students with special needs. I'm a special education advocate. And so Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that element about if you can make something accessible to someone. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: then they get an opportunity to do something with it. So it just opens a a window so I would just encourage, you know, future future tigers. And you know anyone listening is just to try to make things accessible to people, to people in need. So that they can have an opportunity to do something good with it.
00:32:51.360 - 00:33:03.780
Azariah Moore: You Azariah Moore: That is a great answer. Azariah Moore: And then my other, and like next. 2 questions are kind of about Azariah Moore: now, and how Towson influenced now in a way.
00:33:04.730 - 00:33:47.640
Azariah Moore: Influence. But okay, so my first one is going to be so in your life. Now, how do you see yourself continuing conversation of the same spirit as the one mentioned. Whether that be in your work, life, your personal life, etc. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: with accessibility and race relations. Interestingly. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I've combined the 2. So okay, so first of all, I just wanna make sure you see that this this hat right here, this is my alumni hat that says to you, I was just thinking about what you said earlier that says to you. But this is my track hat, and that, says Tsu. Azariah Moore: I do see that.
00:33:48.690 - 00:34:06.970
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So Marcy Rachamim Jackson: so now, what's happening is. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, just like you're looking at the sort of the past and the future, and sort of bringing that together. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: That's actually what I what I
00:34:07.050 - 00:34:26.970
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: do now. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I recently Marcy Rachamim Jackson: started a helps to co-found an initiative called Cs. It stands for special education excellence for underserved students. And Marcy Rachamim Jackson: basically it makes advocacy free for black students with special needs.
00:34:27.420 - 00:34:39.170
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So Marcy Rachamim Jackson: in some way I have found a way Marcy Rachamim Jackson: to Marcy Rachamim Jackson: recognize
00:34:39.420 - 00:36:18.590
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: the challenges over, you know. Many, many years. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: That confront us with race. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So one of I started Marcy Rachamim Jackson: We started an initiative called SEEUS stands for special education, excellence for
00:36:18.620 - 00:36:48.580
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: underserved students, and it focuses on making special education advocacy free for black students with special needs. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And so I'm sure my work. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, with Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Project Lou many, many years ago at Campus, you know, probably formed a sensitivity to children. Even before I had my own and we have, my husband and I we have 7. So
00:36:49.270 - 00:37:21.210
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I think. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: having just that awareness of the needs of children, and then advocating for my own child kind of led me towards special education, advocacy, work. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and the inequities around education in general Marcy Rachamim Jackson: exist that everyone kind of knows about but what they aren't as aware of are the inequities that exist when it comes to students that might have physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities.
00:37:21.780 - 00:38:11.950
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So if you are, you know, black students across America, you know, or across the world in terms of certain education settings struggle. Excuse me. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: with, you know, having education, equity. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and so do black students with special needs struggle with education, equity. And so that's what we did. So we're bringing sort of that race part. You know, I guess, with the with the child. And and then bringing the disability, the needs of disabled you know, students with disabilities, and one of the things I did, and I have it here in my office is I wrote a book on the whole topic. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: it's called transformative solutions for equity and justice and special education.
00:38:12.030 - 00:38:38.970
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: frameworks for anti-racist practice and policy. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know I the the book. You know, talks about advocacy and equity, but it, you know it addresses a a lot of points on the Marcy Rachamim Jackson: on this, kinda a wheel and one of them is the school to prison pipeline or the home to school, to prison, pipeline and
00:38:39.170 - 00:39:08.660
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: it Marcy Rachamim Jackson: It's a real one, and I firmly believe that if we can get special education, equity and education equity. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: aligned appropriately. Then we can have an impact on the the school to prison pipeline Marcy Rachamim Jackson: so. And and, interestingly speaking, of the school to prison pipeline, my husband and I. We used to do
00:39:09.520 - 00:39:35.740
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: ministry work in the prisons, and we taught. We developed a parenting curriculum. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: It's actually right there on my wall, in my office. Parents, and we we we used to go into the prisons and teach parenting, because. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: as Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I guess, am a witness, you know, when we used to go with Project Lou at Towson down to the transitional housing shelter.
00:39:36.190 - 00:40:14.180
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: most of the families we were helping there, and the children we were working with they were in single you know, parent, the both parents weren't in the home. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and Marcy Rachamim Jackson: some of the you know. The parents that were there, you know, struggled with some, you know, some some fundamentals around parenting, if you will, and so I if we can inspire a comm you know Marcy Rachamim Jackson: us to do more around sharing our parenting stories, and you know, looking at parenting as a life skill rather than
00:40:15.430 - 00:40:56.990
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: as a chore. I mean, it's it's kind of these are skills that we all Marcy Rachamim Jackson: can develop Marcy Rachamim Jackson: while we're growing and maturing. It's not like, Oh, I'm about to have a baby now. I need to focus on parenting. No, you wanna develop these these abilities to, you know, have a good attitude, and you know be able to have a routine for yourself or Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, practice safe habits. All these things are things we should do before you know, before we parents. So long story short, I'm trying to, just, you know, pull all that together. And obviously, all these things, while they affect every community
00:40:59.140 - 00:41:46.280
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: the impact on when it affects the black community is just more devastating. So that's why I put my energies and resources into focusing on black students. Azariah Moore: Yeah, I think Azariah Moore: I really love that. I didn't. I know you're a special education, educator and advocate. But I didn't know about the project. But I really, I really find that like so important and like really great work. So thank you. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Thank you for asking. And it really I I hadn't be, you know, before I really looked at the article again, that you, you referenced. And you know, I really hadn't. It wasn't like I was on this trajectory ever since college where I was. Gonna say, okay, I'm gonna just stay focused on race relations. That was not
00:41:46.530 - 00:42:07.130
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that. That was not the plan. I didn't have that as the plan I mean. Certainly there were some initial goals. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: but to be back here 30 years later. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: bringing together Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know the race element, the education element, the parenting piece is just to me.
00:42:07.180 - 00:42:28.040
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: It shows me that, like I said in the article, like, you know, the Most High is really Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and just how he orchestrates these things to happen to bring about. You know wonderful works is just to me empowering and and exciting and awesome. Azariah Moore: Yeah. Azariah Moore: I agree.
00:42:28.040 - 00:42:49.270
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah, Azariah Moore: That was a good way to sum up your time at Towson, and how it's Azariah Moore: impacted your life now. Which very good Segway, into my last few set of questions. They're just about your legacy about reflecting on your time Azariah Moore: things like that. So my first question, just to clear the
00:42:49.280 - 00:43:12.800
Azariah Moore: let give you a space to share anything you would like. Azariah Moore: is, besides, what we have discussed today. Is there anything else regarding your relationship or your time at Towson State University that you would like to share with the University archives. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah, relationships. Azariah Moore: Hmm.
00:43:13.260 - 00:43:49.270
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I think one of the Marcy Rachamim Jackson: important experiences that I can take away from Towson are the relationships that I developed. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know I I don't. I I think I underestimated the value of those relationships then. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: seeing it. Now you realize that was powerful because you talk to people who don't have really, you know, or struggle with, you know, relationships. And you know. So I I just think that that time
00:43:49.800 - 00:44:23.810
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: then form some really special relationships for me. I guess the probably the most important was I met my husband at at Towson. We've been married almost I would say nearly 30 years, about 28 years so, and Marcy Rachamim Jackson: He wasn't a student at Towson, but I met him through another student at Towson. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: who he was a relative of. And so it's like Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that was really fascinating. He had already graduated college and had come down to visit
00:44:24.210 - 00:45:02.690
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and hang out. So. That's that's how I met my husband at Towson. So that relationship is still standing so like to me when I think of Towson. You know, I think of relationships. Another one that was really special is Marcy Rachamim Jackson: my my best friend. From college. I had lost touch with her for many years. And I guess maybe 5 or so years ago we reconnected maybe a little bit more. Then, now. But my point is. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: to
00:45:02.810 - 00:45:30.710
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: to have that I I see it as a blessing to be able to, you know. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: have certain relationships really strong, and then to reconnect with them. Recently was special and even the sorority when I was Marcy Rachamim Jackson: at Towson I became a part Marcy Rachamim Jackson: of a sorority, and you're not supposed to say how you became a part of that sorority. I'll just say I became a part of a sorority and and that was
00:45:30.730 - 00:46:07.630
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: such a beautiful experience. All the Marcy Rachamim Jackson: the sisters that that I forged a relationship with and we had a brother organization. And just all of those friendships are just. They were just so meaningful, even though we didn't stay close. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: They were meaningful, and I know that we all loved each other, and I think that was really special, and something that I can always say how I that I felt that that I had the the benefit of feeling loved by your peers. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And I lost touch with many of them.
00:46:08.370 - 00:47:21.420
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I separated it from the sorority officially for other reasons. Nothing to do with my sisterhood or relationships. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: but and then recently, I was able to reconnect with some of them, and I I you know I saw 2 of them. I remember I saw them at a meeting, you know, work related work, and it was just like, you know. So it's just really special to see friends. I saw another friend. So now it's like in my adult life. I'm seeing the work, and all of them are in. Most of them are all in education, which to me, or you know, sociology, and it just Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I get to see Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, when we're young we just choose our major, you know. We're just like, Oh, that's what I wanna do. But now, when you're older, you know, 30 years later you get to see what that major has done for you like really what you the work that you've done. And so I look at all of them in their, you know, amazing, you know, careers and the work that they've done all just because they chose to, you know, major in education or major in sociology or major in business.
00:47:21.700 - 00:47:57.960
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And look at what they've done. After that. So Marcy Rachamim Jackson: so yeah, I think it just goes to show that some of us, you know, peak and bloom, you know, right right right there, maybe as college students and some of us peak and bloom later on, and some of us Marcy Rachamim Jackson: keep blooming over and over. So I think that's the that's probably the reflection I take away. Azariah Moore: That's great! I'm graduating this semester. So I'm like.
00:47:58.050 - 00:48:12.590
Azariah Moore: I'm like hoping in like 30 years. I can look back and be very fond of the relationships I've Azariah Moore: created here because I think you're right like. Azariah Moore: sometimes, even like. Azariah Moore: shortly after I walk away from a conversation with someone here, I'd be like, wow! That was like a really
00:48:13.000 - 00:48:37.960
Azariah Moore: powerful and intentional conversation that I'm glad I had. So I'm very excited back on them and reflect. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yes. Azariah Moore: Yeah. So my next question is, especially with your long sheet of achievements and accomplishments. what would you consider your biggest accomplishment. From your time as a student here. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Oh, biggest accomplishment. Hmm!
00:48:39.230 - 00:48:58.410
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: As a student, my biggest accomplishment. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I wish I could say so. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Something Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I mean the biggest thing that, I think just
00:48:58.940 - 00:49:14.710
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: stands out to me was, you know, being selected across out of 700 people as outstanding woman of the year. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I mean, that's probably the biggest I mean I I I mean to me. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I hope Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that
00:49:17.260 - 00:50:01.040
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: some of what I created, you know, I know I made some really meaningful experiences for people to be able to Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, enjoy their time at Towson, you know. I know. So maybe other people might have a different answer, you know. Maybe the Japanese students might say it was the Japanese club for them, you know, but I think for Marcy Rachamim Jackson: for me it was Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know I I I think we our 4 by one relay had a a record, and that's my letter jacket. I hung it up just for our interview. That's my my tu letter jacket
00:50:02.400 - 00:50:53.000
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, lettering as a student athlete was, you know. I mean just to to be able to continue to perform as a student athlete was a big deal as well. But yeah, we what we we did a record of our 4 by one relay held a record at some point. I'm sure it's I'm sure it's long gone, but I mean the times that these folks run now, I mean I don't know how anything stands. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So. But yeah, outstanding woman of the year I mean to to be chosen. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: It was really exciting. They had all of us come down. There were finalists. There were 4 finalists, I believe, 2 men and 2 women cause they had an outstanding woman of the year, an outstanding man of the year back then.
00:50:53.490 - 00:51:25.070
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and they had the 4 finalists come down like I guess it was during homecoming or something, and they had us all Marcy Rachamim Jackson: on the track. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And so it was just a time where it's like, okay. Now, I'm a finalist out of, you know, hundreds and hundreds of people, you know. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: are doing a lot of wonderful things on campus. I'm sure you know everybody's putting forth their efforts academically. Or you know, socially or athletically, whatever differences they're making.
00:51:25.130 - 00:51:36.430
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And Marcy Rachamim Jackson: here I am. I'm there, and Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I just. It was just one of those things, you know, when your name is called. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and
00:51:36.470 - 00:52:02.660
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you you it's not like I knew before I got there that I was going to be awarded. I knew I just knew I was getting a certificate for being a finalist, and that they would announce the winner. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And when they announced my name Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I mean my mom, you know, just having my mom there. My grandfather at the time. Well, he's passed away, but my grandfather was there, just having. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and then all my friends were in the stands.
00:52:03.220 - 00:52:28.890
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I mean, like that to me is just a memorable thing, because I mean just the whole. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: The whole Marcy Rachamim Jackson: stairs just went loud, I mean, and it was just so loud. Everybody's cheering, and, you know, just so happy. And I was so happy. So that was probably the one of the highlights. And then they Marcy Rachamim Jackson: they drove so, and then they picked. So I think they picked the man first.
00:52:28.910 - 00:53:00.350
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and then I think they did the woman. But anyway, then he and I, whoever he was, that'd be interesting to find out who he is and what he's doing nowadays. But they picked him. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and he and I, and they drove us around the track in a car. I think the you know we waved and everything. So I was just that was exciting to have that honor. Azariah Moore: Yeah. Azariah Moore: I would. I would imagine that would be a huge accomplishment. Because it's so, Major, yeah.
00:53:00.460 - 00:53:17.400
Azariah Moore: I read about it a lot in the towerlight when I was doing my research and. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: The. Azariah Moore: Yeah, there was a lot of articles about it, and like a lot of like when you search your name up. A lot of it was about the outstanding women of the year award. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Well, thank you.
00:53:19.030 - 00:53:49.550
Azariah Moore: And then, lastly, for reflecting. Just when you look back at your time at Towson Azariah Moore: Overall, how would you describe it? It's kind of a broad question, but you can take it whichever like. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Look back at my time at Towson. How would I describe? Marcy Rachamim Jackson: complete.
00:53:51.140 - 00:54:09.970
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: complete. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I was gonna be Corny and say, outstanding, but but but I think complete. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: because Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I got to do everything
00:54:10.670 - 00:54:24.730
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that Marcy Rachamim Jackson: that you should experience at college. Not you should, but that you could experience at college, you know. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Friendships, relationships, parties? Marcy Rachamim Jackson: You know.
00:54:25.610 - 00:54:59.710
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: staying up late late night studying Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know I love my my my friends who I lived in the dorms with Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and you know the you know, having a box of pizza at 6 Am. Because, you know, you just woke up after studying for 3 h, and you got an 8 o'clock class like all of that is just so important. So that experience. I got to experience all of that. I got to experience. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: the
00:54:59.920 - 00:55:18.540
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: the Marcy Rachamim Jackson: the the element of even being Marcy Rachamim Jackson: popular on campus like Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I. That wasn't what I set out to do, by any means. But I mean, wow! You know that to me is.
00:55:18.580 - 00:55:53.210
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and and having a reputation for something good, you know, having a reputation and and knowing that Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you are trying to make a difference for the students that you know were around you, and even outside of the community. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know the Towson area Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, we were close to Baltimore City. So we did work there because the sorority they would go down to do the I think they went to the women's shelter a lot. I was busy doing the
00:55:54.280 - 00:56:29.090
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: the project Lou that was that kept me pretty busy. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: the growth that Project Lou was able to take on I mean I don't remember his last name, but his first name was Steve. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: He started Project Lou, and it was like, you know. Like all things, they start like a little group of people getting together trying to make things happen. And it was so Marcy Rachamim Jackson: organic. And then once.
00:56:29.580 - 00:58:06.500
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I remember when at the point when I became President, we had over 80 members. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Even after, thinking about the completeness and having all of these varying experiences, including study abroad. I mean thats amazing Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and I almost didn't have the study abroad. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Because I was supposed to graduate in May of 94,
00:58:08.880 - 00:58:23.640
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: but Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I wanted to do a study abroad. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: so I prolonged my credit, or something, so that I could study abroad that fall. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And I chose to graduate. January 95.
00:58:24.360 - 00:58:39.550
Azariah Moore: Okay. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So I don't know if I'm officially class of 94 or 95 or 94 95. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: But Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I would just encourage people, you know, if you if that especially students who
00:58:39.590 - 00:59:05.930
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: are looking at Marcy Rachamim Jackson: wanting to have a you know, a full experience like, sometimes we make adjustments to Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I would have loved to have graduated and kind of walked across the stage with oh, I no! So I did. I walked across the stage with my peers, but when I came back in January, that's when I got my degree, my diploma, that's what I did. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: So
00:59:08.740 - 00:59:28.330
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: so, and we kind of just Marcy Rachamim Jackson: make Marcy Rachamim Jackson: efforts to have those experiences, because we believe they're valuable. And so, you know, it was definitely a sacrifice. But Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I wouldn't have changed it at all.
00:59:29.060 - 00:59:56.730
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And so, yeah, so my experience at Towson was complete. Azariah Moore: I could answer. I think I relate in some ways, because I think, like you said everything you could you could do, you did. I feel like. That's how I Azariah Moore: feel that, how my college experience is going with everything I can do. I try, and I try to just Azariah Moore: do as many things as possible, get the full experience. There's so much that the school has to offer. So.
00:59:56.880 - 01:00:25.410
Azariah Moore: taking advantage of it is like super important, I think. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yes. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: yes. Azariah Moore: Okay? So our final question to wrap up everything is in order to continue our work in the archives and specifically for this project. Who else do you think we wish we should speak to? And then also I'd be interested in like getting the name of your your black student Org Forum, possibly. And I could do some research about that.
01:00:25.570 - 01:00:42.970
Azariah Moore: But yeah, just some topics and names to keep the research and the project going. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Well. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: some of the people that I remember is Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I I from my past experience. There was Dr. Camille Clay.
01:00:44.830 - 01:01:07.560
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: raft woodus. Azariah Moore: Yes. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: and Marcy Rachamim Jackson: who like maybe some of the past presidents of the Bsu Black Student Union. You know the past leaders of the BSU, black student Union, because
01:01:07.880 - 01:01:25.730
Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I know during my time there there was some. Really. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you know, they were doing some really wonderful work, and I'm sure over the years there've been some Marcy Rachamim Jackson: some works that Marcy Rachamim Jackson: And then I just met
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Marcy Rachamim Jackson: 2 people Marcy Rachamim Jackson: recently that are alum. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I don't know what work they've done. But Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I I can get you their names. One's name is Gabriel. I think he's class of O. 7,
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Marcy Rachamim Jackson: is Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Linda, though. And I think she was class of Marcy Rachamim Jackson: 70. Azariah Moore: Yes, I think we've actually done an interview with her already.
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Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Oh, wonderful. Okay. Great. Azariah Moore: Yes, so I'm familiar with Miss Linda Morris. Azariah Moore: and we actually did it. We have done one Bsu President so far. But I'm really interested in getting some more in. Because, like you said, they really do a lot of important work and create a Azariah Moore: the campus culture that like helps out a lot.
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Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Okay? And then what about the students who were in the article with us? There was one gentleman in the article, He was in. He did the the race article as well. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: so maybe he might want to offer some Marcy Rachamim Jackson: reflections, and Marcy Rachamim Jackson: on his experience then and now.
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Azariah Moore: Yeah, I'll definitely look into that definitely see what I can Azariah Moore: work up. Azariah Moore: But yeah, thank you for these names. Azariah Moore: Is there any.
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Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I think we covered everything. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I didn't get a chance. I I would love to talk to you and find out more about your experiences. So let's keep in touch. I mean, I, I really appreciate this, and Marcy Rachamim Jackson: it's good to reflect. And I hope that it can inspire others. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah, other students.
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Azariah Moore: Thank you so much for your. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah. Yeah. And I don't. Oh, you asked me about the name of that or those the Marcy Rachamim Jackson: the organizations? I don't know. I'm I wanna say, maybe it was Marcy Rachamim Jackson: maybe BSO. Black student organizations.
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Azariah Moore: Okay. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Something like that. I'll I'll try to Marcy Rachamim Jackson: take a look and see Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Oh, I know someone else. Tony! Tony Vincent.
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Azariah Moore: Hmm. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: He Marcy Rachamim Jackson: When I was there he was he was a athlete, a student athlete in football. He was really really good. I think he was. I think he wound up, going to the pros for a minute. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: but at any rate, he and I were awarded around the same time from our
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Marcy Rachamim Jackson: our brother fraternity organization at the time. And Marcy Rachamim Jackson: you saw that. Okay. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: yeah. So that was, that was also a really nice. I mean that that was nice, because you're honored by your peers. Azariah Moore: Yes.
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Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I mean, the outstanding woman of the year is great, because, you know, you're on about an institution. But Marcy Rachamim Jackson: then to be recognized by your peers and validated by them. I there, I thought that was special. So at any rate. Yeah, I think Tony Vincent would be another person. And if I think of anyone else, I will let you know. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Thank you so. Oh, Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Oh, yeah, I know a lot. Yeah. Tia Taylor.
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Marcy Rachamim Jackson: She's doing she did. She was oh, wow! She was a powerful voice back. On Towson's campus. She did a lot of work. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: You know, in the social world. And now she is the she's on the board of Impact, Silver Spring. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: which is Marcy Rachamim Jackson: doing work out in in Montgomery county, so
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Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I thought she think she'd be a wonderful voice Marcy Rachamim Jackson: for you. And I don't know if if my best friend would be interested Donna Craig in in but I know that Marcy Rachamim Jackson: She had, you know, a variety of perspectives and whatnot as well. So Marcy Rachamim Jackson: I'll stop there because I could probably break. But I think I think if if you start with those particularly, I think you they have a lot to say.
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Azariah Moore: Okay, thank you so much for that. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah, you're welcome. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Yeah. Azariah Moore: Well, that will conclude the oral history for today. Those are all my questions. Thank you so much again, for
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Azariah Moore: coming in and sharing your time with us. And you know. Azariah Moore: reflecting, yeah, it was very good. Marcy Rachamim Jackson: Thank you.