As we are moving along the road to RootsTech 2024, FamilySearch is honored to announce its first keynote speaker for the conference, President and founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation and great-great-granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott, Lynne M. Jackson. Lynne M. Jackson is a prominent public figure and well known for her role in the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, an organization aimed to “promote the commemoration, education and reconciliation of our histories” in the name of remembering Dred Scott’s fight for freedom.
Who Is Dred Scott?
Dred Scott was born in the state of Virginia about 1799 as an enslaved person. Scott was born, raised, and aged into adulthood as an enslaved worker. He met and married his wife Harriet around 1836 and together they were enslaved by the Emerson family. In 1846, having spent time in and lived in free states, both Dred and Harriet filed cases to the court for their freedom in St. Louis Missouri. Eventually, their case was held up in front of the United States Supreme Court, to this day being known around the nation as Dred Scott v. Sandford.
In the end, the court ruled against Scott, stating that enslaved people were not citizens of the country and could not expect protection. This decision of Dred Scott v. Sanford was one of the catalysts in starting the United States Civil War, a war that resulted in the abolition of enslavement across the nation and changed the course of the future.
Although being denied in the Supreme Court, after 11 years, Dred and Harriet Scott were finally given their freedom by the children of their previous owners.
Lynne M. Jackson’s Life Mission of Honoring Her Ancestors
Lynne M. Jackson has spent her life telling the story of her ancestors. A story of courage, fear, and faith to claim one's right to freedom, by the law of the land, and by the conviction that all human beings have the dignity and right to stand up for their freedom.
Jackson is a remarkable woman, holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She is also a graduate of Alleda Ward Wells Piano Studio of St. Louis. Serving on many boards, in leadership positions, and as a businesswoman, Jackson is well-rounded and experienced, using her platform to advocate for civil rights.
In honoring her ancestry and her great-great-grandparents, Jackson founded and became President of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation whose 3 pillars are commemorating, educating, and reconciling. This nonprofit organization carries out their 3 pillars by educating others on the events surrounding Dred Scott and the movement of civil rights in the United States.
Lynne M. Jackson at RootsTech 2024
FamilySearch and RootsTech are absolutely honored to welcome Lynne M. Jackson to the main stage on Friday, March 1, 2024, as a key part of the RootsTech conference. As Jackson takes the main stage at RootsTech, she will speak on the importance of remembering and connecting with ancestors and carrying out their legacy. In doing so, she will touch upon the story of her great-great-grandparents Dred and Harriet Scott, what their legacy means to her, and how it has shaped her life.
This keynote session is sure to be a moving and inspirational message of enduring struggles, honoring legacies, and hope for the future. Don’t miss Lynne M. Jackson at RootsTech 2024 and register today at rootstech.org where you will also be able to see other class sessions and speakers presenting at RootsTech 2024.
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What Is RootsTech?
RootsTech is a place to learn, be inspired, and make connections through family history. Hosted by FamilySearch and sponsored by other leading genealogy organizations, we have hundreds of expert classes, tips and tricks videos, and inspiring stories that can help you experience family history like never before. Visit our on-demand learning library or make plans to join us for our next virtual or in-person conference event.
