IN BLACK & WRITE: The Life, Love and Legacy of Legendary Newsman Willis Charles Jackson (1945–2001).



IN BLACK & WRITE: The Life, Love, and Legacy of Legendary Newsman Willis Charles Jackson (1945–2001).


By Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.

Publisher, Black Texans, Inc.; Pastor, New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth; President, Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas.


FORT WORTH, TEXAS — From the classrooms of I.M. Terrell High School to the newsroom of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and onward to a pioneering career in California, Willis Charles Jackson’s journey reflected the brilliance, resilience, and revolutionary spirit of Black Texas. His life was a testament to what happens when faith, intellect, and purpose converge — producing a voice that informed, inspired, and transformed communities across the nation (https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Charles-Jackson-55-Oakland-Tribune-Editor-at-2944436.php).


At Black Texans, Inc., we proudly celebrate his life and legacy as one of Fort Worth’s own — a gifted writer and courageous truth-teller whose words carried both conviction and compassion. His rise from the segregated South Side to the front pages of American journalism reminds us that great storytellers are, at their core, great servants — those who use the power of the pen to shine light into dark places and give voice to the voiceless.



A proud graduate of I.M. Terrell High School, Jackson was nurtured by a community that demanded excellence despite limited resources. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram became his platform, but Fort Worth remained his purpose. In California, he extended his calling — mentoring young journalists of color, advocating for diversity in newsrooms, and using journalism as both an art and an act of justice (https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Charles-Jackson-2934745.php).


Jackson’s influence reached far beyond the bylines. He was a bridge-builder, a mentor, and a man who challenged the status quo with grace and grit. His legacy continues to echo through those he inspired to report truth with courage and to lead with love.



In 2025, we honor not only his professional accomplishments but also the character that defined his life — integrity, intellect, and an unshakable commitment to uplift his people. As we approach the 25th anniversary of his passing in 2026, Fort Worth and Black Texans, Inc. will unite to commemorate his enduring legacy — not as a memory frozen in time, but as a living movement carried on through every young journalist who dares to tell our story boldly and beautifully.


From Terrell to Texas, from Texas to the world, Willis Charles Jackson’s words still work, his light still leads, and his love for the craft continues to lift us all.




About the Publisher


Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr. is a Fort Worth native, faith leader, and community reformer dedicated to restoring dignity, opportunity, and justice in underserved communities across Texas. He serves as Pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, President of the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas, and Publisher of Black Texans, Inc., a media initiative committed to telling the untold stories of Black excellence, leadership, and legacy in the Lone Star State. Pastor Tatum is also the founder of Skills City, USA Resilience Responders, designed to empower the next generation to learn, lead, and lift their communities through faith, skill, and storytelling.


To contribute to this mission please consider donating via Zelle: newmtrosembc@gmail.com

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