Leonard Jackson:
CLASS OF 1960
West Philadelphia High SchoolClass of 1960
Philadelphia, PA
Leonard's Story
My schools include James Rhoads Elementary, Anna Howard Shaw Junior High. West Philadelphia High School., During those years, I sat in almost every class from elementary, junior high and high schools next to my lifelong friend, Timmy Jones (now known as Bishop R.T. Jones). I took music lessons from the same music teacher on Parrish Street as the famous, Thom Bell. During my time at West I ran track, one and two mile relay (Penn Relays), was on records setting track teams and cross country, Also played jv football and basketball. I was offered a track scholarship to Penn State but declined it since I wanted to be a chemist and felt track would have taken too much time away from my studies I was the oldest of my three siblings. While in high school, my parents opened and operated a corner grocery store in West Philadelphia, on the corner of Wylausing Ave and Creighton St., called Jackson’s Grocery. . The neighborhood was destroyed by houses falling into Mill Creek in the early 1960, not our house Although, my course work was demanding, since I was studying in the academic Latin curriculum ( my favorite teachers were Misses Sternman and Abramovitz, who taught math and science, respectively), they were my inspiration. I worked there with my younger brother, Daniel (deceased), my younger sister, Rita (deceased), my mother, Julia (deceased) and father, Leonard Sr.(deceased) after he got home from his day job at Sun Shipbuilding, where he was a welder. My youngest sibling and brother, lives in Philadephia and attended Overbrook High School.
I graduated from Spring Garden College in 1962 with a degree in Chemical Analytical Technology (worked at Rohm and Haas in the analytical lab, testing plexiglas and soaps, September 1962 through Septmber 1964 ) and summer of 1965 at Publicker Distillery (was under the Walt Whitman bridge), in In September 1964, I went Lincoln University, where I grauated with a degree in Mathematics and Chemistry in 1971, A classmate there was classmate at WPHS, Wesley Hurt. Another classmate was the performing artist, Gil-Scot Heron, known on campus as "Spiderman". While a student fulltime, I worked evenings at TransUnion as an electronic analyst in West Chester and weekends at the family business. Later, upon my return from the war I continued at Lincoln and worked evenings at The Franklin Mint, January 1970 through September 1973, as an chemical analyst and upon my graduation, a chemical/process control engineer,I supervised a team of technicians and Temple University School of Dentistry in September 1973 (on full scholarship) earning a Doctorate in Dental Surgery, in 1977 worked as an extern at Suburban General Hospital's Emergency Room, Norristown,PA.,during my entire fourth year).
In April 1966, I was drafted by the U.S. Army, but I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, I completed my military basic and technical training as an administrative specialist at the Amarillo Air Force Base in Amarillo, Texas, due to my education and personality, I was in charge of a squadron of approximately 200 fellow recruits
(I was known as "The Red Rope") because I wore one and was soon stationed at the Strategic Air Command Headquarters (SAC) Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska, following graduation from tech school in Amarillo. While in Omaha, I attended Creighton University, Nebraska, taking courses such as, modern abstract algebra, statistics, art hustory and computer programming.
My military duties included "Operation Looking Glass", which was a top secret mission during the "cold war", where in case of a nuclear attack, the general or admiral onboard of the aircraft, which flew 24/7, 365 days,, would have the capability to retaliate. Subsequently, I was sent to the Southeast war theatre. While in Sattahip (Pattaya Beach) Thailand and Saigon, Vietnam, took classes offered by Nebraska University. Served in the capacity as chief of staff and acting first sergeant of the headquarters squadron as well as the head night manager of the NCO (Non-Commission) club. While working at the NCO Club, I started the R&B band, "Salt and Pepper", which played throughout Southeast Asia. I also hired incoming first sergeants to assist me as managers of the NCO club. I also nominated for the Bronze Star for meritorious service. At that time, I spoke Thai fluently and some Vietnamese. I wrote a letter to the commander of the 13th Air Force Command, requesting an early discharge to return to Lincoln University, which was granted and was able to continue my education in January at Lincoln University. I graduated from Lincoln University in May 1971. While in the Air Force I had hoped to be an engineer with NASA, working in the space and aeronautics program, however, my bride-to-be was not on favor of me remaining in the military at that time.
After working at The Franklin Mint, I entered Temple University School of Dentstry, was married with a son. After graduating from the dental school at the age of 34, I opened a private practice in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in 1978. As a dentist in private practice I was the owner and operator of my private dental practice in Norristown, PA., beginning in 1978. The practice was sold to another dentist in 1990. I was then chosen to be the dental manager and supervisor for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at Wernersville State Hospital, near Reading, PA and retired from the position at Wernersville in January 2004. Later in life, October 1999, at almost 57 years of age, because if my expertise in dentistry and was in excellent shape, I was prevailed upon to join the United States Army Reserves. I passed the Army's physical fitness test (I out performed younger military personnel whom were in their 20's) and Officers Basic Course after being commissioned as Major in the U.S. Army. Proved to be an expert with all weaponry and munitions. I served as the Officer-in-Charge at the Ibn Sina Hospital’s dental clinic, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving in Baghdad, Iraq (Green Zone) with the 101st Airborne (known as The Screaming Eagles), 86th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) and Special Forces from Ft. Campbell, KY, in 2007 and 2008. I spent a lot of time in one of Saddam's palaces. I have a picture of me standing next to Saddam"s statute which was taken down at the beginning of the U.S. military invasion. Celebrated my 65th birthday, in 2007 on the Iraqi battle ground (serving on General Petraeus' team). This outstanding group has been featured in the HBO documentary known as "Baghdad ER". I also served on other Army installations and several Native American reservations in Montana, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Colorado, Wyoming and Oklahoma. Incidentally, while in Montana, I stayed in a sweat lodge for 5 hours with Northern Cheyenne and Lakota Sioux Native Americans. Hence, I have served in two branches of the military and in the combat zones during two wars, Vietnam (honorably discharged December 1969 from the U.S. Air Force) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (honorably discharged and retired February 2, 2011 from the U.S. Army). In February 2017, I retired as a Professor of Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Dentistry General Practice Department starting in 2006 as clinical adjunct professor was asked join the fulltime faculty by Dr. Ron Hunt, the dean of the dental school, in 2009, which I did. In 2014, I was chosen by dean Dr. Amid Ismail of Temple Dental School as one of the world's top dentists, charged with writing a new paradigm of determining and treating of dental (decay) caries. in London, England, June 2015. The paper entitled, "ICCMS Guide for Educators and Practitioners", which was published in December 2014, While at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Dentistry, I authored several published scientific papers on demtistry. Previously, I taught at Temple School of Dentistry as adjunct professor before moving to Chesterfield, Virginia. We lived in Malvern since 1979, before moving to Chesterfield, Virginia, in 2004, I was a member of the Main Line and Media NAACP. Additionally, I served on the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and several committees of the church which included the Presbytery and Synod and Self Development of People. Served on Chester County Habitat for Humanity. I raised and donated $10,000.00 to this organization.
Previously, a member of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, Philadelphia Dental Society, the Bucks and Chester County Dental Society as well as the New Era Dental Society. Chosen as "Alumni of the Year" for Lincoln University in 2001, Alumni Association of Lincoln University (life member and chairman of the Constitution and Bylaws committee) and president of the Delaware Valley Water Garden Society, Temple University Dental School’s Alumni Board, Virginia Dental Association voting delegate
Currently, I am a member of Chesterfield County Board of Equalization, for real estate appeals. Also a member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association,
Richmond Dental Society as a voting delegate and member of the constitution and bylaws committte. Also, a member of the Bon Air Presbyterian Church, the National Dental Assocation, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmonders Involved in Stronger Communities (RISC) Virginia Historical Association, the Chesterfield Historical Society, Country Club at the Highlands, Miilitary Officers Association of America, the Richmond Military Officers Association, life member, the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (life member), Psi Omega dental fraternity and, judge at the Virginia State Science and Engineering
While living in Chester County, Pa., Served as President and Chairman of the Board of the Valley Forge Chamber of the Commerce, President of the Montco Lions and Vice President Valley Forge Toastmasters International. Served as President of the congregation of the Paoli Pres...Expand for more
byterian Church, where I was ordained as an elder, also, the boards of directors of the Delaware County and Montgomery County Blind Associations. Also served as the Vice President of the Alumni Association of Lincoln University and was selected as Lincoln's Alumni of the Year in 1991 and a member of the Main Line and Media NAACP. Additionally, I served on the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and several committees of the church which included the Presbytery and Synod.
Previously, a member of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, Philadelphia Dental Society, the Bucks and Chester County Dental Society as well as the New Era Dental Society and Temple University School of Dentistry Alumni Board. Chosen as "Alumni of the Year" for Lincoln University in 2001, Alumni Association of Lincoln University and president of the Delaware Valley Water Garden Society.
Currently, I serve on Temple University School of Dentistry's Alumni Board, Richmond Dental Society's delegate and a member of Chesterfield County Board of Equalization, for real estate appeals. Also a member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association,
Richmond Dental Association, as a voting delegate. Also, a member of the Bon Air Presbyterian Church, the National Dental Assocation, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Virginia Historical Association, the Chesterfield Historical Society, Country Club at the Highlands, Miilitary Officers Association of America, the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, judge at the Virginia Science and Engineering Fair, past chairman of The Highlands Architectural Review Committe and the Alumni Association of Lincoln University.
We have three sons, including a set of twins, all of whom graduated from Temple University's Fox School of Business with MBAs and Risk Management degrees.
The eldest is senior vice-president of a major insurance company in midtown Manhattan and lives near the Cloisters and Ft. Tryon. He majored in Risk Management and was a graduate of the Insurance Institute, in New York, where he received a full scholarship. The older twin son, lives in Camp Hill, PA., is a regional executive for a major food distributor, has an MBA, headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated in the top 5% of his class. He majored in Marketing. The youngest twin is a member of the Security Exchange Commission office. He graduated a Phi Beta Kappa and lives in West Chester, PA. He also majored and has an MBA in Marketing at Temple. We also have two daughter-in-laws and five grandchildren. The grandchildren ages range from 15 to 7. One daughter-in-law is an immigration attorney. She graduated from Connecticut University's School of Law where she was #1 in her class. She has her practice in Camp Hill, Pa. The daughter-in-law of the youngest son is an insurance broker with Allstate. She was an All American basketball player for Villanova (her jersey and number has been retired). Because I was the father of three (3) sons whom happened to be black and while my sons attended elementary, middle and high schools, I attended school board meetings, once or twice per month, every month, for their entire public school career. My sons benefited because I was an involved black father.
My wife, my better half is a retired nutritional researcher and chemist. We've been married 51 years. She too, was accepted into Temple University School of Dentistry (also was offered a full academic scholarship). However, she withdrew her application since we had a one year son. She retired from the Wyeth Laboratories, after working there more than 30 years. She has published several scientific papers
Her expertise was infant formula. Additionally, she's a graduate of Cabrini College with a M.S. in Education and the Longwood Gardens where she studied and was certified in plants and trees, she is dayllilly flower expert. She was in charge of the International Daylilly Convention in 2000, held in Philadelphia. PA., at the Adams Mark hotel (now closed) and was a perennial participant in The Philadelphia Flower Show. She now is involved with genealogy. She is past president of Chesterfield Historical Society and have given several talks on genealogy and DNA. We met while studying biochemistry and physical chemistry together at college.
We've traveled to the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Kenya, Nepal, Egypt, Italy, India, Costa Rica, Mexico, Israel, Jordan, Gaza, Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, Hebron, West Bank, Spain, Italy, England, France, Canada (all the provinces except Newfoundland), Japan, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Virgin Isles (American and British), Dominican Republic, Scotland and Kuwait. Our other travels also include all the states of U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii.
My interests are playing with our grandchildren and visiting other family members, my friends and traveling, exercising, taking tours in different cities and states, visiting museums, golf, art, chess, reading, music, raising orchids, mentoring and volunteering. I've just completed my painting of "Rock Balacing", in acrylic. Previously, I completed my painting of "Flowers in a Vase", also in acrylic. At the present time, I'm continuing my painting lessons in oil painting at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Virginia.
My choice of music varies in genre, such as, blues, pop, religious, country, rock, classical, jazz, funk, r&b and rap, some are the following: Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Al Green, Andrea Bocelli, Bessie Smith, Adele, Sam Smith, Bonnie Raitt, etc.
I like reading about the Civil and Revoluntary Wars, biographies about George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, George Meade, R.E. Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Ben Hogan and Tiger Woods.
We have visited Manassas, Peterburg and Gettyburg battlegrounds and Appomatax CourtHouse, VA., where the treasonist, slave-holding, anti-American and treacherous southern states led by Robert E. Lee signed the unconditional surrender documents. An individual who " bite the hand which fed him", since he and other members of the confedercy were educated and received room and board free while attending West Point Military Academy. A person who could not protect his family nor his estate properties., he barely escaped capture by Federal troops, who whipped and tortured returned slaves and whose invading army of slaveholders lost badly to a newly appointed commander of the Federal Potomac army, Gen. George Meade. Lee’s U.S. citizenship was restored by the U.S. House in 1975.
Lee's wife, Mary Anne Custis Lee was held in house arrest, following the fall of Richmond by a Black Union soldier. Lee did not become a citizen of the U.S. again until August 5, 1975, when President Ford restored his citizenship. This was due to the legislative efforts of Sen. Harry F. Byrd Jr (Va.), whom introduced Joint Senate Resolution 23, to restore citizenship to Lee. Therefore, Lee was not a citizen when statutes of him were made and displayed in cities of the south. I compare him to Hitler or worst. Where are Hitler's statutes? His father-in-law, G.W. Parke Curtis, raped his slaves and fathered at least 15 mulatto offspring.
Recently, became a member of , utilizing gym classes and swimming pool at nearby total use facility.
Additional Information: The Soviet Union sent Sputnik and Yuri Gagarin into space, life as I knew it changed. My goals began to become clearer, that I was going to be a scientist. I knew that a black man with a science education, background and credentials would be a force to be reckoned with. Heretofore, people of color were mainly stuck in careers of a preacher, teacher or similar, principally because, other honorable careers were not generally open and available to black folk. Thanks to space exploration. I wanted to and was able to break the mold, I think I did. My goal after leaving the Air Force, finish my bachelor requirements, getting my degree and join NASA (space program).
Ultimately, I became a dental surgeon, leaving my chemical career.
When mentoring, I encourage all black students to study the physical as well as social sciences, especially mathematics. Research shows a student who studied any of the physical sciences for only two years will make much more money than a person who received a four year degree studying social science over a lifetime. I have read recently that an individual who attains a bachelor's degree in math and a MBA in Finance, can earn on average as much as 450K annually on Wall Street.
I consider myself "A Warrior", I fight everyday of my adulthood for dignity for myself, my family, my community, my people and my country against racism, bias and bigotry. Like many of my classmates, especially black males, were told by our counselors, in my case, Ms. Kingsley. that I was not a good student. I had a "B" student. When she told me that, I thought to myself, "who the f does she's think she's talking to, is she crazy"? Who does she thinks she is? I found out later that my black graduating classmates were told the same thing. The problem was, most if not all, believed that racist witch (with a "b") and did not apply to any post high school secondary education schools leading to A.S, B.S./B.A. degree or more. While many of the white boys and girls garnered scholarships, money to further their education, etc.
My responsibilities to others, especially the less fortunate, are: to help raise them"above the scratch line" and "draw the circle wide".
Thanks to God our heavenly Father, my earth father Leonard, my mother, Julia, my wife, my last living aunt, my teachers who took a sincere interest in me, my childhood friends, the aforementioned Bishop R.T. Jones, Gilbert Smith and Kenny Jones. My mentors: Drs. Nick Bash, George Evans, Frank Gable, Vic Bove, Tony Ciccippo and Bob Motsay. I am indebted to all of you, I could not have done any of these things without you. Ciao!
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
Register for Free to view all events!
Photos
Register for Free to view all photos!