Ida O. Jackson, 1890-1960, Educator

Historical marker location:

intersection of US 60/84 and Beta Street, SE,, Clovis, New Mexico

( Intersection of US 60/84 and Beta Street, SE, in Clovis on the school grounds)

Clovis schools were segregated when Ida O. Jackson arrived from Texas in 1926 to teach African-American youth. Starting with two students in Bethlehem Baptist Church, she encouraged early education and by 1935 taught 35 students in a one-room schoolhouse. Named the Lincoln-Jackson School to honor her and the nation’s sixteenth president, school enrollment topped 100 by the 1940s. Ida also taught Sunday school, opened her home to those needing housing, and helped launch the Federated Progressive Club for black women working to improve the community.