Dred Scott’s descendant, Lynne Jackson, has a lot to teach us about racial reconciliation

“Our word isn’t racism. It’s relationship.” Those are the words of Lynne Jackson, the great great grand-daughter of Dred Scott. Lynne joins the Gloria Purvis Podcast to discuss the Dred Scott decision and its ripple effects today. 

In 1852, Dred sued the state of Missouri for his freedom, invoking the law “once free always free” after living in the free state of Illinois. Ultimately, his case was denied by Chief Justice Roger Taney, who ruled by the changing political tide and pervading racism of the time.

Lynne Jackson founded the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation to commemorate her ancestor’s story, to continue education around racial justice, and to reconcile the descendants of formerly enslaved people with the descendants of slave-owners.  

Jackson herself was able to meet the descendants of Roger Taney. And together they have spoken before colleges and legislatures, testifying to the impact of Scott’s historical case as it altered the course of U.S. history and continues to ring through the generations. 

“I was just grateful that we had come to a point in our country where we could have of these two families speak together and know each other and respect each other,” says Jaconson, “And have a moment where we could say we aren't our ancestors and we want to see a better day for all of our children in our country.”

In addition to modeling racial reconciliation between families today, The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation raised $250,000 to commission the only statue of Dred Scott and his wife Harriet, which stand outside the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri. 

There still is no postage stamp for Dred Scott. The Foundation started a Dred Scott Stamp Campaign to solicit required petitions and you can help by going to their website, www.dredscottlives.org and checking out the campaign.

Lynne Jackson is available for speaking engagements and can be reached through the website at [email protected] or 314-532-5613.

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