This Black History Month, we honor Lillie May Carroll Jackson, a fearless civil rights leader whose work transformed Baltimore—and helped shape the fight for racial justice nationwide.

Born in Baltimore in 1889, Dr. Jackson lived and organized in a city deeply shaped by Jim Crow segregation, where Black residents were systematically denied access to education, housing, and full participation in public life. Rather than accept injustice, she challenged it.

A Civil Rights Legacy That Changed Baltimore

Known as the “Mother of Freedom,” Dr. Jackson led nonviolent protests, expanded the Baltimore NAACP into one of the strongest branches in the country, and helped secure critical legal victories that challenged segregation and racial discrimination.

Her fight was both personal and collective. Dr. Jackson’s daughters, Virginia and Juanita, were denied admission to the Maryland Institute College of Art and the University of Maryland—a powerful reminder of the barriers Black families faced. Dr. Jackson stood up not only for her children, but for every Black child and adult denied educational and economic opportunity.

Continuing the Work During Black History Month and Beyond

At Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS), we carry forward Dr. Jackson’s legacy by providing free civil legal services to Marylanders facing barriers rooted in historic and structural inequities. Our work today is possible because leaders like Dr. Jackson demanded justice—and built the power to achieve it.

“MVLS is grateful for the leaders that stood up and insisted on change to systems that harmed the Black residents of Baltimore City. Dr. Jackson fought for her family, including her daughters Virginia and Juanita, who were refused admission to the Maryland Institute College of Art and the University of Maryland, and for all the other Black children and adults who were being denied the opportunity to educational and work opportunities. Dr. Jackson had a vision and belief in fairness and equality. At MVLS, we are committed to doing our part in seeing Dr. Jackson’s vision become a reality by ensuring a fair and just legal system.”
— Susan Francis, Executive Director, MVLS

Honoring History Through Place and Memory

In 2022, Team MVLS visited the Lillie Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum, leaving inspired by the history preserved there—and reminded of the responsibility we share in continuing this work.

Plan a visit or purchase tickets:
https://www.lilliecarrolljacksonmuseum.org/visit

Black History Month Is About Remembering—and Acting

This Black History Month, we honor Dr. Lillie May Carroll Jackson by remembering our history, uplifting Black leadership, and continuing the work toward a more fair and just legal system for all.