Local artists and activists want to shine a light on an activist who fought for civil rights in San Jose. To that end, Local Color and the African American Community Service Agency (AACSA) are raising money for a mural commemorating the work and life of Inez Jackson, who co-founded the AACSA in downtown San Jose in 1978.

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Jackson, who died in 1993, faced racial barriers after relocating from Oklahoma to California but became the first Black postal clerk in San Jose in 1949. As an advocate for civil rights, she was involved in organizations like the NAACP and fought against discrimination in housing, education and employment.

“Despite Inez Jackson being a nationally and locally renowned leader, there is little to commemorate her legacy in the public, especially in San Jose,” reads a webpage on fundrazr.com.

At press time, organizers had raised $6,810 of their $15,000 goal. Their hope is that the mural, to be painted by local artist Ian Young, will bring attention not only to AACSA but to the library there named in Jackson’s honor.

AACSA’s membership is open to everyone, regardless of race, religion, age or disability. The agency’s mission is “providing quality educational, cultural, social and recreational programs, services and activities in order to perpetuate and strengthen African American identity, culture, values, traditions, knowledge and family life.”

“We hope that with the installation of a community mural, we are able to beautify the AACSA’s building as well as memorialize the namesake of the Inez Jackson Library,” reads the webpage. “The creation of this mural will serve as a landmark for the building as well as attract new visitors and patrons of the AACSA.”

Donations to this fundraiser will directly go toward project costs, including artist payment, materials, a mural unveiling and celebration, and maintaining the mural. To donate, visit https://fundrazr.com/e2OUN9?ref=ab_AEFRFxtkgDSAEFRFxtkgDS.