Jackson Street at Debevoise Avenue was co-named Dianne Jackson Way on August 16 to honor the community advocate and long-time resident of Cooper Park Houses. Among the things she fought for were: bringing affordable housing and other community services to the Greenpoint Hospital site, preserving public housing citywide, co-naming Grandparents Avenue, and preserving the 94th Precinct in North Brooklyn
“Dianne, was my role model. She led by example.” began Debra Benders, president of Cooper Park Resident Association, at the street naming celebration. “I want everyone who walks by Jackson Street at Debevoise Avenue to remember Dianne Jackson and what she stood for: she stood for unity in this community and beyond.
Sharondria Jackson, Dianne Jackson’s daughter, has followed in her mom’s advocacy footsteps in working with NYCHA. “As I mentioned, through my work I have worked with many NYCHA resident association leaders, and it really gave me a whole different view and level of respect for my mom and what she did and how she was able to do it and what she was able to do. I remember seeing a set of association bylaws for the first time and recognizing her signature as the district chair in Brooklyn. The documents were citywide and throughout the NYCHA database, and I realized that she was not just mommy or the president of Cooper Park Houses: she was well known for the things I didn’t know about. And for a long time, I honestly tried to not let people know I was her daughter, because I knew there would be expectation. But I was very blessed to get my job through my mother, but I knew I had to always show up my absolute best, and I was extremely fortunate to have a marvelous example, an exceptional role model, who has been priceless to me and instrumental to my work. And I thank you, mommy. Your work and example of leadership, perseverance, and commitment will live on in more ways than one. May this day and celebration be encouraging and empowering to us all,” she said at the street naming.
The Greenline 