Press Release

September 21, 2005

PAMELA JACKSON CELEBRATED AS "UNSUNG HERO"

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Sanford Bishop proudly announces that this evening he will be presenting his constituent, Pamela Green-Jackson the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouses Unsung Hero award, for her ongoing and tireless efforts to combat childhood obesity. Having lost her only brother, Bernard, to obesity related illnesses in February, 2004, Ms. Jackson is one of the nation’s leaders in inspiring young people to take action and make life-saving positive choices.

The Youth Becoming Healthy Project (YBH), that Pamela Jackson founded, began as an idea to educate students on the importance of eating healthy and exercising by providing newspaper supplements as part of the Newspapers in Education program.  Yet since its inception, Ms. Jackson’s vision and ability to partner with the private sector has led YBH in the creation and launch of three fitness centers, at Dougherty Middle School, Radium Middle School and Albany Middle School, where students have an opportunity for safe, physical activity in an inspirational health club setting.

In December 2004, after having left her job at the Albany Herald to pursue her activism full time, Pamela was hired as the State Coordinator for Georgia on the Move, a program of GPAN (Georgia Coalition of Physical Activity & Nutrition).  America on the Move is a national program aimed at reducing the epidemic of obesity by promoting two small daily lifestyle changes: increasing the number of steps taken each day by 2000 and reducing calories consumed by 100 per day.  Georgia currently ranks #6 in the nation’s obesity epidemic.

“Pamela Jackson, was our nominee for the unsung hero award, not only because of the impact that she is making in our community, but because her ability to turn a tremendous personal crisis into such a positive force is truly an inspiration to each and every one of us,” said Congressman Bishop.“Many people talk about making a difference, Pamela Green-Jackson is making a difference.”

Sponsored by the CBC Spouses Organization, which is chaired by the Honorable Vivian Creighton Bishop, the Unsung Hero Awards Program recognizes those individuals who have made a noteworthy impact in their communities. These heroes are committed to improving the quality of life for people in our society and will receive their awards at a star-studded awards ceremony this evening during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.

“I am so honored and humbled by my selection as an "Unsung Hero,” said Pamela Green-Jackson, “When I began this mission in memory of my brother, I had no idea that it would gain this much attention.  I am just trying to make a difference.”

Pamela attended Albany State University where she majored in Marketing and graduated from LaGrange College with a BA degree in Organizational Leadership.  She will attend Troy State University to pursue a Masters Degree in Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness beginning January 2006.  Her future goals are to implement YBH programs across the state and continue her quest for a healthier Georgia by promoting the Georgia on the Move initiative.