The Atlanta Voice from Atlanta, Georgia • 2

News 2 July 5 -11, 2003 The Atlanta Voice Maynard Jackson's farewell: A stirring tribute By Maynard Eaton There has been no big city Mayor, no political maverick; no compelling, and charismatic and consummate Atlanta character more than Maynard Holbrook Jackson. That's why 5,000 or more gathered at jthe Atlanta Civic Center to bid farewell to this mercurial man who was Atlanta's first black Mayor and the so-called "godfather of affirmative action." It was a moving, memorable, magnificent outpouring of love for the 65 year-old "race man." "We loved Maynard because Maynard loved us," said former President Bill directed the court to hand that decision down while his spirit was going up." Rev. Jesse Jackson, and other funeral speakers said that it is only fair and fitting that the airport, named after former Atlanta Mayor William Hartsfield, be renamed for Jackson. That sentiment is gaining widespread support Mayor Franklin has named a study panel to explore the name-change initiative to honor Jackson. Dr.

Otis Moss, a Morehouse College classmate of Jackson's and a noted Cleveland, Ohio minister, delivered the rousing eulogy. He suggested that Maynard Jackson's majestic life should ''teach all of us to use wisely all the time that we have" If 7 and that the former Mayor looked upon his political work as a ministry. "We will miss your charismatic presence," said Moss, but we will always lift up the content of your character." The emotionally draining ceremony was highlighted by the tearful farewell to Jackson by Brooke Jackson Edmond, one of his five children. "Our father was a figure of mythic proportions, and like so many boys and girls, our father was a hero. He could do no wrong," Edmond said.

"Even though he was gone more than we liked, he always returned home to give us a bear hug and leave his cologne on our skin." "He would tell us," she continued, 'You can do anything you set your mind to. I am so proud of We love you too, daddy, and we'll miss you." Maynard Jackson would routinely implore his employees at Jackson Securities or his young charges at The Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation, to "Rock them!" That's just what Jackson did to Atlanta. Jackson lies in state at Atlanta City Hall (Hal Lamar) Jackson was described as a big man with a big heart who spearheaded radical change in Atlanta, and throughout the nation. He was the embodiment of the shift from the civil rights movement in the streets to the quest for clout and influence in government and corporate suites. Jackson is widely viewed as the architect or "godfather" of affirmative action a controversial concept he introduced in 1975 during the expansion of Hartsfield International Airport He vowed to halt the project unless 25 percent of the construction contracts were awarded to minority-owned businesses.

The landmark program, which required that minority-owned enterprises get a larger share of government contracts by partnering with white-owned firms, became a national model. President Clinton's comment on Jackson's controversial policies was met with a standing ovation. "He saw how much good affirmative action did for well-connected white folk and he thought it ought to be tried for other people as Clinton. "He loved us with that million- Maynard dollar smile. He had that creamy voice that could melt the meanness but of the hardest heart He had the gift of gab that could talk an owl out of a tree" Former Mayor Maynard Jackson was eulogized and laid to rest in a "celebration of his life" the likes of which Atlanta has not seen since the death of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Maynard Jackson's funeral was a major, primetime event Thousands from far and near came to say goodbye to the political leader who was first elected Atlanta's mayor in 1973, and to share their "Maynard moments." "Maynard was a fearless, courageous, audacious leader," said Mayor Shirley Franklin during the tasteful, three-hour service. "Maynard was a lion of a man With his election he ushered in a new era of politics" -i- 1 Franklin, Jackson's former chief of staff, says the political kingmaker strongly urged her to be mayor, giving her the ultimatum: "Either run for mayor or get out of the way." "It is like a mighty oak as fallen leaving an empty and gaping and glaring space against the sky where he stood," opined friend and former Urban League president Vernon Jordan. Jackson and Jordan played in the Howard High School band half-century ago using hand-me-down instruments from white schools. "Maynard graduated from trombone player in 1951 to conductor of the political symphony of Atlanta- in 1973," Jordan said. well." Even the Supreme Court's recent decision on affirmative action was no coincidence according to-Rev.

Joseph Lowery. "I think Maynard exercised his moral authority and P- '-v Coretta Scott King and Rev. Jesse Jackson share a moment during the funeral services for Maynard Jackson. (Moses) Mourners line up outside Atlanta City Hall to sign a massive card of sympathy for the Maynard Jackson family. (Hal Lamar).