Wallace “Jack” Jackman is definitely someone who will be missed. Jackman, who recently passed away at the age of 81, had a profound impact on my journey as a photo journalist.
It was the summer of 1996 and I was looking for a place to write a sports column and photograph Black high school student athletes. I had just left Insight News, where I had been since graduating with a journalism degree from Central State University in 1987.
MSR Hall of Fame sports columnist Charles Hallman, who brought his talents to the 91-year old Black-owned newspaper after leaving Insight News in 1990, set up an interview for me. At the time, Jackman was co-publishing MSR with his sister Norma Jean Williams.
Hallman informed me that my interview would be with Jack.
“Who’s Jack?” I responded.
Hallman just smiled.
The next day my question was answered. It’s safe to say that I didn’t know what to expect, and at the time I felt disrespected having to go through the interview process. After all, I had nine years of experience in the field of journalism.
The realization became apparent that it’s not just about experience. It’s also about the personal aspect. It was about getting to know me as an individual.
I was very nervous going in for the interview because it was also known that my last nine years were spent writing for the city’s only other Black newspaper. It turned out that my nervousness was for naught.
Jackman immediately made me feel comfortable as his outgoing personality and tough persona came pouring out. He talked about my writing and ways in which I could contribute to the history and legacy of MSR.
The entire interview was focused on me. I say this because my father, the late Kwame JC McDonald, had written for MSR and was such a popular figure in the community that he was always mentioned in situations like this.
His name wasn’t mentioned once. Jackman focused on me.
My first column, named “The Prep Scene,” was published in the September 5-11 issue 1996. I’ve been at MSR ever since.
I owe it all to Wallace Jackman. He allowed me to become part of something special.
Thank you, “Jack.”
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.