Looking Ahead

After 25 years leading the various TJ initiates, the surviving “Ambassador” has come to recognize that he can no longer lead the various projects that have developed out of the extensive historical resources that have now been unearthed. Accordingly he has encouraged the establishment of a new group intended to introduce all this past research to a new generation of enthusiasts and so allow the value of these original source documents to be incorporated into future interpretations of history.

The new Friends of Thomas Jackson was initially based on a nucleus of supporters from the next generation who had the advantage of being more aware of modern social media and more appealing website designs than the founders. Prime among them is Kiara Thompson who has acted as President of the group for over a decade. She is a graduate student of African-American history and has given considerable time and assistance in organizing and researching TJ’s writings. She aims to be an active Ambassador for Thomas Jackson for the next generation and speaks on aspects of the collection and is available to speak at appropriate gatherings.

Also, on this list is Miles Reding, himself a qualified post graduate historian – initially of the French revolution – who has been very successful in pioneering placing articles and making videos featuring aspects of TG’s abolition campaigns. He has also caused Thomas Jackson, the Abolitionist” to be featured in Wikipedia.

Additionally, Dr. Rik Stevenson professor in African-American Studies Center at the University of Florida has given much advice and support along the way. These people know that many others will join them in shepherding a new generation of researchers in making use of this historical collection in the years ahead.