Alfred Thomas Jackson

Alfred T. Jackson was born in Issue, Maryland, on May 30, 1937, and departed this life on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at his home in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 89 years old. Alfred’s life was defined by determination, dependability, and an unwavering commitment to family.

The oldest son of Alfred and Eulie Jackson, Alfred was raised in Washington, D.C. During his childhood, he and his brother, John Bernard Jackson, spent a lot of time in Issue on their grandparents’ farm. Alfred had an abiding, lifelong love for both places and for the family members there who nurtured him. Alfred graduated from Dunbar High School and earned a degree in biology from Fisk University. He also served in the United States Army.

Alfred’s career began at Grand Union in store management and human resources. In 1975, he joined the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), where he spent 17 years, culminating in his being named Director of Organizational Development, Diversity, and Employee Counseling. Alfred designed employee assistance programs, managed affirmative action initiatives, and facilitated training for multiple NBC affiliates. While at NBC, Alfred was an executive producer for The Great Migration: To Promised Lands. This documentary was awarded an Emmy in 1990. After leaving NBC, Alfred became Director of Diversity and Strategic Planning at Scholastic, Inc. There, he led corporate diversity initiatives and helped define the strategic direction of the company’s Human Resources department. In his community, Alfred was a founding member of the Montclair Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and served on the Board of Trustees of Bloomfield College.

Alfred’s marriage to the love of his life, Clarice Cecilia Brooks, was a union that lasted until her passing in 2008. The couple settled in New Jersey and raised three children. They were involved, loving parents who emphasized doing the right thing and doing it well. Al and Clarice’s home in Orange, still affectionately known to the family as “214,” was always full of family and friends. Their marriage spanned 47 years and remained one of the great foundations of his life. In his last days, he said that Clarice was “the single most exceptional human being I have ever known.”

After retiring from corporate life, Alfred founded ATJ Enterprises, a consulting firm specializing in human resources management, diversity, and quality assurance. He and Clarice moved to the farmhouse where he was born. Alfred served Charles County as President of the NAACP and was an instructor at the College of Southern Maryland. He also had more time for his favorite pastime: reading. Alfred and Clarice spent many hours on the front porch of the farmhouse, each with a book in hand.

Later in life, Alfred faced many personal challenges, including the loss of his beloved Clarice and serious health issues. Through it all, he remained committed to family and the values that shaped his life. His impact endures through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless people and organizations he guided over the decades.

Alfred T. Jackson is survived by his three children, Michael Kevin Jackson, Karen Jackson Ruffin (Steve), and Damien Tyler Jackson; his eight grandchildren, Dominique Jackson Chambers (Drew), Aaron Jackson Ruffin, Stephen Malcolm Ruffin (Brooke), Lyndsey Althea Jackson, Nicole Raynisha Ruffin, Julian Bernard Jackson, Justin Tyler Jackson, and Alexys Imani Jackson Oliver (Kwame); and five great-grandchildren, Alaia Dao Oliver, Vera Allen Ruffin, Kaleb Alexander Oliver, Ava Clarice Oliver, and Samuel Malcolm Ruffin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to Fisk University at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate.