Maynard Jackson

Date of Birth: March 23, 1938

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: June 23, 2003

Biography

Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr. was an American politician and attorney who made history as the first African American mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. Born into a family with a strong educational background, Jackson was deeply influenced by his grandfather, a prominent civil rights leader. He graduated from Morehouse College at the age of 18 and later attended Boston University Law School. Jackson’s political career began in 1968 when he ran for the U.S. Senate. Although he did not win, his campaign gathered significant support and laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. In 1973, he was elected as the mayor of Atlanta, serving three terms (1974-1982, 1990-1994). His tenure is marked by significant contributions to the city’s infrastructure and economic development, particularly through initiatives that promoted minority business participation in city contracts. Maynard Jackson’s legacy includes his efforts to modernize the Atlanta airport, now known as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and his role in securing the 1996 Summer Olympics for the city. He was known for his charismatic leadership and unwavering commitment to social justice.

5 Interesting Facts about Maynard Jackson

1. Maynard Jackson was the first African American mayor of a major Southern city.

2. He played a key role in the expansion of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the world.

3. Jackson was instrumental in bringing the 1996 Summer Olympics to Atlanta.

4. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

5. Jackson co-founded the American Voters League, an organization aimed at increasing voter participation among African Americans.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Maynard Jackson

1. “Politics is not perfect, but it’s the best available nonviolent means of changing how we live.”

2. “In politics, an organized minority is a political majority.”

3. “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”

4. “The measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge.”

5. “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Maynard Jackson’s net worth was not widely publicized, but his contributions to public service and his business ventures post-mayoralty suggest he was comfortably well-off, though specific figures are not available.