Teresa Jackson ‘11

(She/Her/Hers)

Graphic Designer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Teresa obtained her bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts in 2011.

What is your nationality/how do you identify?
All my life I identified as Black. Even though I have strong Louisiana Creole ancestors.

What does Black History/Heritage Month mean to you?
Black Heritage Month is like a cycle.  It signifies that whatever we went through, struggles, hardships, poverty—all of it—it represents our pride as Black people. Even though we are underestimated, we are super talented at our jobs, our homes, as Black Americans. Our values and morals show who we are and displays our worth as black individuals.

What or who has been your biggest cultural influence?
I would definitely say Angela Davis, who was part of the Black movement. I look up to her as a Black woman. She showed that there is no need for fear in order to succeed. For years, a lot of black women were oppressed; even though we have good skills, we are often overlooked. She reminds me as a Black woman to overcome your fears and not give up on my goals. Keep pushing yourself through it. As if you’re running through a jungle of trees, don’t submit to the branches that hit you along the way…  don’t hide behind the curtain. Stand up, roll up your sleeves and show the world what you can do.

From your lens, how can the larger community better support POC, like yourself?
From my experience at RIT, the community has improved significantly. Those in higher positions had to sit and listen to the concerns of the Black and POC community. We often struggle and didn’t get the same access or resources then. I’d advise those who have the ability to make changes, to continue to share resources and don’t let them do it on their own. I’m happy to see that there has been a great change in education settings by word of mouth…it makes us more acceptable in the community.

What is your favorite cultural dish?
I would say gumbo. It’s part of my family tradition between holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. It represents good luck in my family.

What advice would you give to those who are just joining your major as they look to advance their skillsets?
From Angela Davis, don’t be fearful and don’t give up. Be persistent. At the end of the day, you will be stronger than you think. The best word to describe Black deaf women is courage.

I’ve had young Black women who look like me ask me questions about my journey. They’ve seen me speak, asked me where I worked, where I attended school and asked about my trial and tribulations. They were amazed to see that someone who looked like them “made” it.

Right after I graduated from RIT, I moved through six different states chasing my dreams and moved up the ladder of success through promotions. I found out that not many people have the heart to move to new surroundings to get where they want to go.

You have to use up life in the way you want to, because it’s so short. I want to continue to inspire young Black women to go for their dreams in this way. Whenever you see an opportunity, grab it!

Share a quote that you live by.
“Be greater than what you are right now.”

Share a cool, random fact about yourself.
I’m not sure if this is appropriate, but I used to play football at RIT—with no gear! [laughs]