Inspiring Young Minds

Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson has been recognized alongside Colin Powell, Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, and Condoleezza Rice in a recently published book by ESSENCE magazine titled 50 of the Most Inspiring African-Americans.

The book features African-Americans who are breaking barriers in a number of fields, including politics, education, and entertainment. “The women and men you will find in this book are a special breed; wise souls who appreciate the profound gift of being alive,” says Susan L. Taylor in the book’s introduction. “They come from every sector of society; they represent the worlds of entertainment, education, business, religion, politics and activism. Some are known and lauded throughout the world; others are working quietly in their communities, expecting no praise, wanting only to serve.”

The book is broken into eight categories: Icons, Power Brokers, Trailblazers, Community Builders, Dazzling Dynamos, Spirit Lifters, Healers & Teachers, and Next Generation. Jackson is profiled in “Healers & Teachers” as someone making a difference by “nurturing young minds.”

As a leader in both the public and private sectors, Jackson was recently elected president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest scientific organization. Her term begins in 2004. Additionally, she was named one of the “Top 50 Women in Science” by Discover magazine.

“Throughout my life I have found strength from my family, my church, my teachers, and my community,” says Jackson. “Along the way, it has been important to me to seek out mentors and others from whom I could learn. I learned to stay focused on my goals, and to remain determined and motivated in the face of adversity. I derive a great deal of strength from helping others. At the toughest moments of my life, I have gained the strength and perspective to meet my own challenges by stepping outside myself to help someone else.”

Image Courtesy of Essence Books/Time Inc., Home Entertainment