Thomas Jackson

By Courtney Olson

Thomas Jackson, a lifelong resident of St. Augustine, Florida, has dedicated much of his life to preserving the history and legacy of his community. Born in 1951, Thomas grew up in Lincolnville. His childhood, then, intimately coincided with, and was deeply affected by The Civil Rights Movement. 

Jackson attended St. Benedict the Moor School in Lincolnville for kindergarten through seventh grade. The school, along with the church of the same name, was a cornerstone of the community, providing resources beyond just education and spiritual guidance. However, the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 brought significant changes to the educational landscape in the area. The bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine decided to integrate schools, leading to the closure of St. Benedict the Moor School. 

These integration initiatives split the student population, which led Jackson 

to continue his education at The Cathedral Parish School. His connection to St. Benedict the Moor School, however, never waned. For over 30 years, Thomas worked tirelessly to restore the old school building so that it could serve as a community resource. When his efforts began in the 1990s, the building had been vacant and deteriorating for nearly two decades. Jackson, however, recognized that St Benedict the Moor had a value beyond its physical structure. With the support of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the restoration project raised approximately $4 million, allowing the vision for the center to become a reality. The building is now a space dedicated to supporting single mothers who are already in the workforce, providing them with resources to advance their careers and improve their lives. 

This important work ensures that the legacy of the school and its role in the community will not be forgotten. By transforming the building into a community resource, St. Benedict The Moor has become a resource center that honors the past while addressing the needs of the present. 

Through the creation of the Venetian club, whose founding was inspired by The Civil Rights Movement, Jackson and the other club members saw that the history of Fort Mose was preserved and protected. The land adjacent to where the first free western Black settlement once stood was in danger of being developed and turned into a condominium complex, but through the tireless efforts of the Venetian Club, it is now a State National Historic Society, with official recognition from UNESCO. 

Jackson’s achievements illustrate the power of perseverance and collaboration in achieving meaningful change. His story is a testament to the importance of preserving history and using it as a foundation for the betterment of the future. The reconstruction of Fort Mose serves to protect and celebrate 

the rich history of this vibrant Black settlement, which predates the Colonial United States. In Lincolnville, the restored St. Benedict the Moor School stands as a symbol of resilience, community, and hope, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Thomas Jackson and all those who shared his vision along the way.

"Loving Our Town" December 5, 2025