By Dr. Eva Jackson
Each October, my family gathers to honor the traditions that connect our past, present, and future. Relatives travel from near and far to share stories, learn about those who came before us, create new memories, and help younger generations understand the history that shaped them. More than a reunion, this gathering is a celebration of heritage, belonging, and the bonds that hold us together.
Our family history includes blacksmiths, farmers, educators, craftsmen, chefs, and entrepreneurs. My great-great-grandfather, the first known entrepreneur in our family after the Emancipation Proclamation Act, was a blacksmith who made wagon wheels, caskets, and andirons. Yet his greatest legacy was not simply his skill in business or craftsmanship; it was his willingness to use what he knew to serve others.
In the small towns of the late 1800s and early 1900s, a blacksmith sometimes had to choose between earning a profit and helping a neighbor who could not afford to pay. My great-great-grandfather did not always turn away those who lacked the means to compensate him. In choosing compassion over convenience, he modeled humility and grace. More than a century later, those values remain at the heart of our family’s heritage.
A Legacy Guided by a Strong Moral Compass
As I grow older, I make a point of sharing these traditions with my children, friends, and extended family. I tell them how we grew our own food, bartered for what we needed, and traveled to neighboring communities to give fresh vegetables to relatives. These practices taught me that caring for others is not an occasional act; it is a way of life. They also taught me that it truly takes a village—and that our village extends beyond family to include the people we meet, help, and welcome along the way. By carrying these lessons forward, we honor our ancestors not only in memory, but also in the way we live.
About Dr. Eva Jackon:
Hello. My name is Dr. Eva Jackson, and I am currently a guest blogger for MSAA. I completed a Doctorate in Management, Organizational Development and Change at Colorado Technical University in Denver, Colorado. My academic background also includes a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Art in Social Services from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. I have previously co-owned an event planning, catering, and decorating business called NikLiz Designs with my husband of 31 years Tim Jackson. After being diagnosed with MS, my career path changed, but I continue to provide management consulting services. In addition, I participate in crafting activities and volunteer as a Peer Connections Leader and an MS activist for the National MS Society.