The Howard Academy Community Center is preparing to induct Olympic gold medalist and Marion County Public Schools alumna Erin Jackson into the Black History Museum of Marion County.
Jackson, who recently made history as the first black American woman to win an Olympic Winter Games gold medal in an individual event, will be in attendance and personally recognized at the event.
An Ocala native, Jackson attended Howard Middle School and graduated from Forest High School in 2011. She then earned a degree in materials science and engineering from the University of Florida in 2015.
In 2018, Jackson became the first black American woman to make a U.S. Olympic long track speed skating team. With a time of 37.04 seconds, Jackson won gold in the women’s 500-meter speed skating event at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games.
A display highlighting Jackson’s accomplishments will open tonight in the Black History Museum of Marion County (306 NW 7th Avenue in Ocala) for the public to view.
Howard Academy Community Center addresses the needs of the Ocala Westside Community and Marion County through specialized learning-centered activities and community programs that aim to enrich the lives of students while impacting community development.
For more information, contact Howard Academy Community Center program manager Davida Randolph at 352-671-4175 or via email: Davida.Randolph@marion.k12.fl.us.