Upton in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
In Memory of Dr. Lillie May Jackson
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 15, 2008
1. In Memory of Dr. Lillie May Jackson Marker
Champion of the People,
Mother of Freedom
May 25, 1976
Erected by the Association for Study
of Afro-American Life and History
In Cooperation with the
Amoco Foundation, Inc.
Erected 1976 by Association for Study of Afro-American Life and History.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1817.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 39° 18.112′ N, 76° 37.711′ W. Marker was in Baltimore, Maryland. It was in Upton. Marker was at the intersection of Druid Hill Avenue (Maryland Route 129) and West Lanvale Street, on the right when traveling south on Druid Hill Avenue. Building was demolished. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1234 Druid Hill Avenue, Baltimore MD 21217, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Bethel A.M.E. Church (a few steps from this marker); Union Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Rev. Dr. Vernon Nathaniel Dodson Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Foundation on Which to Build a Community
this page online
Also see . . . Lillie Mae Carroll Jackson. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on November 22, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional commentary.
1. Destruction of The Dr. Lillie May Jackson Freedom House
On October 2015, following 30 years of neglect, Bethel AME Church decided to demolish this building. Lillie May Jackson herself bequeathed the building to the church, and wanted it to be forever known as The Freedom House.
Despite protests by neighbors, preservationists and civil rights activists, the church continued with the demolition to create a "priority parking space" for Pastor Frank Reid and "First Lady Marla", his wife. They told their congregation and testified at the City CHAP hearing that the building had "no historicity".
The bronze plaque that adorned the building was removed
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 15, 2008
2. The Dr. Lillie May Jackson Freedom House sign
Pastor Frank Reid III, whose grandfather and father spearheaded the American Civil Rights Movement with Dr. Lillie May Jackson, is responsible for the demolition of this and many other buildings related to the Civil Rights Movement in the historic district surrounding the church.
A tragic loss for the City of Baltimore- and the entire county -to lose one of the most important buildings in the African American Civil Rights Movement that stood as a testament to the dedication that many made for the good of all humanity.
Mayor Shelia Dixon, Mayor Kurt Schmoke, and Baltimore City Comptroller Joan Pratt are all members of this high powered congregation.
The $10 million dollar operating budget of this congregation is largely funded by the profits from Pier 6 Pavilion at Baltimore's Inner Harbor- a City owned operation.
— Submitted November 23, 2016, by Marti Pirelli of Baltimore, Maryland.
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 15, 2008
3. Lillie May Jackson house
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 15, 2008
4. Lillie May Jackson house
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,803 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 15, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.
