As we celebrate Black History Month, we must recognize the pioneers who have left an indelible mark on our communities. Among them is Commissioner Norwood E. Jackson, a groundbreaking leader in Westchester County’s criminal justice system and a man of unwavering dedication to service, discipline, and reform.
Born in August 1934 in Washington, D.C., Jackson’s journey was defined by excellence and perseverance. While attending Central State University in Ohio, he earned his bachelor’s degree, excelled in football, and became a champion in discus and shot put. His athleticism and determination were just the beginning of a career that would break barriers and set new standards in law enforcement and corrections.
After a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns, Jackson dedicated 15 years to active duty in the U.S. Army, serving as an airborne ranger. His leadership was unparalleled—while stationed in West Germany, he held the critical position of Area Provost Marshal, commanding over 50,000 soldiers and 20,000 dependents. During the Vietnam War, his service earned him the prestigious Legion of Merit, one of the nation’s highest military honors, the Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous other commendations. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 35 years of active and reserve service, leaving a legacy of integrity and dedication.
Jackson’s commitment to public service continued in Westchester County, where he joined the Department of Correction in December 1972 as a cross-complex security warden. His leadership and vision propelled him to new heights. In April 1989, he became the first African American appointed Commissioner of Correction in Westchester County—a historic achievement that shattered racial barriers in law enforcement leadership.
A baby lion learns to become a lion by watching the actions of a grown lion. Commissioner Norwood E. Jackson was that lion—both in the field of corrections and in the example he set as a Black man in leadership. He carried himself with strength, dignity, and unwavering faith, standing as a pillar in his community and a guiding force for Black officers throughout Westchester.
For young Black men, witnessing Commissioner Jackson in a position of power was more than inspiring—it was transformative. He was the only Black commissioner of any law enforcement agency when I began my career, and his presence alone was a beacon of hope. He didn’t just open doors; he showed us how to walk through them with confidence and purpose. He treated everyone with fairness, demanded professional excellence, and set the highest standards for those who served under him. But for Black officers, he was more than a leader—he was a blueprint. He exemplified what we could be in our careers and as men, fathers, and community leaders. He proved that professionalism, discipline, and integrity were pathways to success, authentic leadership, and lasting change.
As Commissioner, Jackson championed progressive policies focused on rehabilitation, mental health services, and educational programs for incarcerated individuals. Affectionately known as “Big Jack,” he believed in second chances and worked tirelessly to improve conditions for both staff and inmates. Under his leadership, Westchester County addressed critical issues such as jail overcrowding, leading to constructing a modern, new-generation correctional facility in 1992. Beyond his role in government, Jackson was an active board member of both the Salvation Army and the American Jail Association, reinforcing his lifelong commitment to community service and justice reform.
In recognition of Norwood E. Jackson’s remarkable contributions and lasting legacy, the Westchester County government honored him by renaming the Westchester County Jail as the Norwood E. Jackson Correctional Center. This historic decision made it the first law enforcement building in the county to be named after a Black man, cementing Jackson’s impact on the criminal justice system and the community he served.
Norwood E. Jackson never denied his Blackness to climb the ranks—he carried it with pride, strength, and unwavering faith. He never wavered in his belief in himself or his ability to lead, standing firm on his principles while proving that excellence, not compromise, is the key to success. Did he face racism? Absolutely. But he overcame it, not by shrinking in the face of adversity, but through Black Excellence—by excelling beyond expectations and shattering the barriers placed in his path.
Today, as we celebrate the historic election of Ken Jenkins, the first Black Westchester County Executive, we must acknowledge that leaders like Norwood E. Jackson paved the way. Long before Jenkins made history, Commissioner Jackson showed that Black men could rise to the highest levels of government leadership—not just as symbolic figures, but as exceptional, capable, and transformational leaders. He didn’t just break ceilings; he laid the foundation for others to climb higher.
Commissioner Norwood E. Jackson’s legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and an unshakable belief in rehabilitation and justice. As we honor Black History Month, his story is more than a chapter in history—it is a call to action. For those of us fortunate enough to have witnessed his leadership firsthand, his legacy is not just something to remember, but a responsibility to carry forward. His contributions continue to inspire generations, proving that true progress is built on the courage, determination, and excellence of those willing to lead by example.
