Today's History Makers: Judge Janet Jackson

Black History happens everywhere, including in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. This week's History Maker is Judge Janet Jackson.

Janet Jackson has had a life filled with FIRST. She was the FIRST born to a big, beautiful family in Randolph,Virginia; the oldest of six children. Janet excelled in school and would become the FIRST to integrate Randolph Henry High School in Virginia. While visiting family in Ohio, between her Junior and Senior year of High School, Janet visited the campus of Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. She applied and after graduating from high school, Janet was accepted to Wittenberg;  graduating with a B.A. degree. Janet would continue her education, getting a J.D. degree from the National Law Center at George Washington University.

Her career has included serving as a Franklin County Municipal Court Judge for nearly 10 years, making her the FIRST Black female judge in Franklin County history.  She would eventually serve six years as the Columbus, Ohio City Attorney, which made her the FIRST woman in Columbus to hold that position. It was also the FIRST for a Black person in Columbus.

Janet has a long list of community service and accomplishments. She spent 14 years as President and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio, which is one of the largest United Way organizations in the country. And in true history making fashion, Janet was the FIRST woman and the FIRST Black person to lead that organization too. 

Throughout her life, Janet has received numerous honors and awards including: Woman of Achievement Award from the YWCA of Columbus, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award from the Columbus Education Association and Woman of the Year by the Niagara Foundation. She was inducted in the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame and the City of Columbus Hall of Fame.

Judge Janet Jackson is not slowing down. She continues to serve on various boards and commissions. And I'm sure we can look forward to many more FIRST to come.