Ida Jackson, born in Springfield in 1938, grew up in the John Hay Homes, attending Palmer Grade School and Lanphier High School.
In an interview for the Springfield African-American History Foundation series, Jackson discusses various jobs she has held, both with the federal government and others.
Jackson also was a plaintiff in the Springfield school desegregation lawsuit. She discusses racism in the community and the effects of the lawsuit on her family, and her unsuccessful campaign for mayor.