Triad Historian Reflects on Reverend Jesse Jackson's Legacy

Thankful Heritage Museum's civil rights exhibit showcases African American history through postage stamps

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Thankful Heritage Museum in High Point, North Carolina is hosting a pop-up exhibit titled "To Form a More Perfect Union: 10 Milestones of the Modern Civil Rights Era, 1948-1965" that coincides with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the 100th year of Negro History Week. The exhibit features an extensive collection of African American-themed stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service that illustrate major milestones during the Civil Rights Movement. Historian Effley Howell Sr. recalled seeing Reverend Jesse Jackson speak in the Triad region in 1984 and the powerful impact of his speeches.

Why it matters

The exhibit at the Thankful Heritage Museum provides an opportunity for the public to learn about and reflect on key moments in African American history and the Civil Rights Movement through the lens of U.S. postage stamps. Howell's personal recollections of Reverend Jesse Jackson's visits to the Triad region add a local perspective to the national significance of the civil rights leader's work.

The details

The Thankful Heritage Museum's pop-up exhibit "To Form a More Perfect Union: 10 Milestones of the Modern Civil Rights Era, 1948-1965" features more than 2,000 artifacts, including an extensive collection of African American-themed stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service. Founder Effley Howell Sr., a historian of 40 years, said the exhibit coincides with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, the 100th year of Negro History Week, and the 100th year of the Safe Bus in the Triad region. Howell recalled the powerful impact of seeing Reverend Jesse Jackson speak in person during his visits to Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point in 1984.

  • The exhibit runs throughout February 2026.
  • The exhibit is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The players

Effley Howell Sr.

Founder of the Thankful Heritage Museum and a historian of 40 years.

Reverend Jesse Jackson

Civil rights leader who visited the Triad region of North Carolina in 1984.

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What they’re saying

“The stamps just show so much of American history and how things changed. It shows how the Jim Crow signs would come down because people like Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson fought to make America a better place.”

— Effley Howell Sr., Historian and Museum Founder (wfmynews2.com)

“It was just wonderful watching him in other cities as he came to Winston, Greensboro, High Point. It was just so wonderful to be in a crowd and feel that electricity and feel that spirit.”

— Effley Howell Sr., Historian and Museum Founder (wfmynews2.com)

What’s next

The Thankful Heritage Museum's exhibit will be on display throughout the month of February 2026, providing the public with an opportunity to learn about and reflect on key moments in African American history and the Civil Rights Movement.

The takeaway

The Thankful Heritage Museum's exhibit showcases how U.S. postage stamps can serve as a powerful visual representation of the African American experience and the progress made during the Civil Rights Movement. Howell's personal recollections of Reverend Jesse Jackson's visits to the Triad region highlight the enduring impact of civil rights leaders in inspiring local communities.