October 14, 2022- Community members gathered at Preston Jackson Park as Decatur City Council members and Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe officially dedicated the park.
“Mr. Jackson has been called one of the greatest Black artists of our time, and he is from Decatur, Illinois,” Mayor Moore Wolfe said. “Peoria Magazine referred to him as an internationally renowned artist and performer. His talent was born and nurtured right here, his birth city, and this is where his legacy will reside for posterity. With Preston Jackson Park.”
Preston Jackson, a Decatur native, is a renowned painter, sculptor, and educator. He has created several public art sculptures, including a sculpture honoring African American Civil War soldiers. The sculpture currently resides in the newly dedicated park.
“Ladies and gentleman, this will be a place for people to come and visit Decatur,” Dan Caulkins, Representative for the 101st District said. “This sculpture is world renowned and now this park will attract more people downtown.”
Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly executive board member Jim Taylor spearheaded the campaign to name the park. He unveiled the brass plaque honoring Jackson as well as park signs denoting Preston Jackson Park.
Jackson, himself was present at the ceremony, and spoke about what the dedication means to him.
“Decatur meant so much to me, of course all places that you are raised, you can call it home, so it means a lot” Jackson said.
