The DTE Foundation is proud to announce its new partnership with The Henry Ford to support the preservation and interpretation of The Jackson House, one of the most significant sites in the American civil rights movement.
Originally located in Selma, Alabama, The Jackson House served as a safe haven for Dr. Sullivan and Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson, hosting civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young and others. Within its walls, leaders planned and strategized the Selma‑to‑Montgomery marches—pivotal demonstrations that helped advance voting rights and expose the systemic barriers faced by Black Americans in the South.
In 2023, Henry Ford acquired the historic property and relocated it to Greenfield Village, where it will be preserved for future generations. When it opens to the public later this year, The Jackson House will serve as an immersive educational experience and a place for reflection, learning and dialogue. Its presence in Metro Detroit deepens the region’s role as a destination for understanding American history and the continued pursuit of justice.
“The Jackson House is more than a historic building—it’s a living testament to courage, collaboration and the pursuit of justice,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “The DTE Foundation is proud to partner with Henry Ford in preserving this extraordinary space so future generations can learn from its legacy and be inspired to create positive change in their own communities. Partnering on this project strengthens our shared commitment to education, understanding and a more equitable future for all.”
By supporting Henry Ford’s efforts, the DTE Foundation is helping ensure that the stories held within The Jackson House—and the broader narratives of the Civil Rights Movement—are preserved and shared with depth and intention. This investment will activate the Jackson Home through educational programming, curriculum development and oral history initiatives. Funding will enable the creation of a suite of programs, lectures and learning resources that explore the Selma Movement, the broader Civil Rights struggle and their continued relevance today. Together, these efforts align with the Foundation’s long‑standing commitment to education, community impact and elevating diverse histories that shape our understanding of the world today.
“We are deeply grateful to the DTE Foundation for its leadership support of the educational and storytelling work surrounding the Jackson Home,” said Patricia Mooradian, president and CEO, The Henry Ford. “This investment allows us to share the voices, experiences and lessons of the Civil Rights Movement in ways that are meaningful, accessible and inspiring for learners of all ages.”
The DTE Foundation looks forward to partnering with Henry Ford as it brings this transformative historic home to life in its new setting. The project will engage with veterans of the Civil Rights Movement whose contributions—though often less widely known—were critical to advancing voting rights in America. By preserving and amplifying these voices through oral histories and digital storytelling, together, we are helping ensure that the lessons, leadership and legacy of The Jackson House continue to inspire generations across Metro Detroit and beyond.