Jackson, Lillie May (Lillie May Carroll), 1889-1975
Dates
- Existence: 1889-1975
Biographical Statement
Lillie M. Jackson was head of the Baltimore branch of the NAACP and a leading organizer of civil rights efforts in Maryland.
Born Lillie Mae Carroll on May 25, 1889, in Baltimore, Maryland, Jackson received a public education in Baltimore City and graduated from the Colored High and Training School in 1908. She taught the 2nd grade until she married Keiffer Jackson in 1910. The Jacksons had three daughters and one son. Jackson headed the NAACP Baltimore branch from 1935-1970. She increased her branch's membership from 2,000 in 1935 to 18,000 in 1946. Through her efforts, the NAACP became the largest civil rights organization in Maryland. She was an active member in her Methodist Church, as well as a strong proponent of efforts to strengthen local families. She worked to increase the educational opportunities available to African Americans and led campaigns to provide equal pay for African American school teachers and a campaign to integrate the University of Maryland. She sought employment opportunities for African Americans through "Buy Where You Can Work" campaigns. Lillie M. Carroll Jackson died on July 5, 1975. She was survived by four children, ten grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.