95-year-old Harrisburg Man Preserves City's Black History

Calobe Jackson Jr. has lived through pivotal moments in American history and now shares his experiences.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Calobe Jackson Jr., a 95-year-old Harrisburg resident, has led an extraordinary life, from attending segregated schools during the Great Depression to serving in a segregated Army unit during World War II. Now, he is one of the writers featured in a book documenting Harrisburg's historic African American community and has donated a prized World War II overcoat to the State Museum, ensuring his story and that of his community lives on.

Why it matters

Jackson's life story provides a firsthand account of the African American experience in Harrisburg during the 20th century, a time of significant social and political change. His contributions to preserving local Black history ensure that the struggles and triumphs of his community are not forgotten.

The details

Jackson attended segregated schools in Harrisburg, including Bose Elementary, Camp Curtin, and William Penn High School. During World War II, he was drafted into the Army and served as a surveyor in the 94th Combat Engineers, a segregated unit. After the war, he returned to a segregated Harrisburg, where his father owned businesses catering to African American travelers in the era of the Green Book. Jackson later worked at the Harrisburg post office for over 30 years before retiring in 1989. He has since served as chair of the Board of Control for Harrisburg School District and is a writer featured in a book documenting the city's historic African American community.

  • Calobe Jackson Jr. was born during the Great Depression.
  • Jackson attended segregated schools in Harrisburg during his youth.
  • Jackson was drafted into the Army in 1951 and served during World War II.
  • Jackson worked at the Harrisburg post office from 1956 until his retirement in 1989.
  • Jackson donated a prized World War II overcoat to the State Museum in recent years.

The players

Calobe Jackson Jr.

A 95-year-old Harrisburg resident who has lived through pivotal moments in American history and is now preserving the story of Harrisburg's African American community.

Bethel Church

A church that Jackson has been involved with and helped preserve the history of.

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What they’re saying

“Golden ages for the kids because we played everywhere. We ran through the streets. We made up games.”

— Calobe Jackson Jr. (abc27.com)

“The Green Book started in the 1930s. African Americans traveling in those days had problems deciding where they were going on the road. Where am I going to stop? Where can I find a friendly place?”

— Calobe Jackson Jr. (abc27.com)

“It started off as a week. I remember when I was in elementary school, it was one week, and gradually it increased, and now that we do have an entire month, some would say, 'Well, we should have Black history every day.' Yes, we should, but let's just take the month and make that month a time to dwell, to actually go back and read some of the things they bring out the old books.”

— Calobe Jackson Jr. (abc27.com)

What’s next

The State Museum plans to showcase Calobe Jackson Jr.'s donated World War II overcoat in an upcoming exhibit on the African American experience in Pennsylvania.

The takeaway

Calobe Jackson Jr.'s life story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing the history of marginalized communities. His dedication to documenting Harrisburg's Black history ensures that the struggles and triumphs of his community will not be forgotten.