The School of Theater, Film, and Media Arts was saddened to hear of the passing of Homer Jackson, a celebrated artist, alum, and adjunct professor here at Temple University. Jackson received a master's degree from the Tyler School of Art, and was known for his installation and multimedia art. He produced multiple art exhibits, plays, and performances across Philadelphia.
In 1996, he was recognized by the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. In 2011, he cofounded the Phialdelphia Jazz Project, as well as hosted a jazz show on Temple's WRTI radio station, something he did for nearly a decade. More recently, he received an artist fellowship from Philadelphia's Cultural Treasures in 2022. He had been part of the Temple community as an adjunct professor for the last three years.
About Jackson, current student FMA student Alaina Oatts says, "[He] had an incredible impact on me. His passion for the arts and storytelling made me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in film...He taught me that it was okay to stray from the conventional career route. Because of him, I don’t second guess following my dreams. His passion for the arts shined through beautifully in his character and positively impacted every student in his class."
In an online profile, he once said, "Essentially, there is a vast, uncharted universe of Blackness out there.... I have always sought to be one of its astronauts."
You can read Jackson's full obituary in The Philadelphia Inquirer.