Following that stint, Jackson began her journey in the mainstream press at her hometown newspaper, The (Hammond) Daily Star. For five years, she covered several beats, including crime, education and religion. She left the newspaper to try her hand at teaching in the public school
system. After three years in the classroom, Jackson couldn’t shake her first love, journalism.

In 1998, Jackson moved to Racine, Wis., and became the education reporter for The Journal Times, a 35,000 circulation daily. She quickly moved into management becoming the assistant city editor, the first black to do so. Not long afterwards, Jackson became the city editor, for which she served a little more than two years. In 2004, Jackson became the managing editor of The Town Talk, a 40,000 circulation daily in Alexandria, La. Again, she made history by becoming the first black to hold any top management position at the newspaper.

Here’s a snapshot of who Sherri L. Brown Jackson is:

Professional Experience:

• President/Publisher

MV Consulting & Publishing Services
Publishes The Light newspaper and Everythingcenla.com
Also provides publishing, consulting and training services

• Managing Editor

The Town Talk, Alexandria, La., 2004-2006
As the newsroom’s No. 2 manager, Jackson was responsible for daily operations of the news staff, including the features, news, online, photo and sports departments

• Adjunct instructor

Gateway Technical College, Racine, Wis., 2002-2004
Responsible for preparing adult students for high school equivalency (GED) examination

• City Editor

The Journal Times, Racine, Wis., 2001– 2004
Responsible for both the city desk and features desk, assigning stories, editing copy, coaching writers and supervising reporters and assistant editors for local news and features at a 30,000-circulation daily, 32,000 Sunday newspaper.

• Assistant City Editor

The Journal Times, 2000
Assisted city editor by coordinating the night city desk, responsible for assigning stories, editing copy, and supervising reporters. Filled in as city editor in his absence. Developed “4-11,” Web page for high school journalists. Nominated for and won Lee Enterprises President’s Award.

• Education Reporter

The Journal Times, 1998 – 2000
Reported school news in Racine County. Spent three months in Racine schools for daily special reports on classroom activities and school issues

Special Education Teacher
Hammond (La.) Eastside Upper Elementary School, 1995 – 1998
Taught special education students with disabilities ranging from mental retardation to behavioral disorders. Served as the school’s public information officer.

• News Reporter

Hammond Daily Star, Hammond, La.1990 – 1995
Reported school news from school districts in three parishes. Also reported police, fire, parish and city government news and coordinated the religion section. Wrote a weekly column, “Saints and Sinners.”

• Editor

The California Voice, a black-owned ethnic affairs newspaper in Oakland, Calif., 1987-1990.

• Education and Training

Master of Science in Adult Education
University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 2003

Bachelor of Arts
Southeastern Louisiana University, 1987

Lee Enterprises Front-Line Leadership Training Program

American Press Institute, City and Metro Editors training

Newspaper Association of America Fellow to Maynard Management Program at Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University

Scripps Howard New Media Fellow

Newspaper Association of America New Media Fellow; studied Web page development and multi-media convergence coverage strategies in yearlong program

Leadership Racine Program

• Activities

Ordained minister, St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce, LA

• Awards and Recognition

2001 Lee Enterprises’ President’s Award

Profiled as one of “20 Under 40” emerging news leaders in “Presstime” magazine.

Named one of Racine’s 25 Phenomenal Women by Insider News

Project Talent Award, Racine Unified School District

1994 Trio Award from Upward Bound program

Recognized for Outstanding Service by Magnolia Peace Officers Association

Outstanding Young Women of America

• Professional Organizations

National Association of Black Journalists

Maynard Institute of Journalism, Oakland, Calif.

Member of Central Louisiana Business League