Birmingham History People in Beauty:

Dr. Ruth Jackson Hair care professions have always attracted African Americans for various reasons. One widely-known name in this field in Birmingham was Dr. Ruth Jackson. Born March 31, 1898 in Gadsden Alabama, Ruth Jackson was a groundbreaking entrepreneur and pioneer in the field of cosmetology in Birmingham. Ruth Jackson graduated from Gadsden High School and later went on to Crane Junior College in Chicago, Illinois and Dale Carnegie School in Birmingham, Alabama. She received an Honorary Ph.D. from Miles College of Birmingham in Human Letters; and a Doctor of Science and Art Degree from the National Beauty Culture Institute, A&I State College, Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Ruth Jackson In 1935, Jackson founded the Poro's Beauty School in Birmingham, Alabama. During her lifetime, she worked with Wilma Nichols to help raise the educational standards for black beauticians. Over the years, she instructed hundreds of Birmingham men and women in the art of cosmetology, many of whom went on to open their own beauty salons. Mrs. Jackson was a devoted member of the Thirgood Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in which she held office. She also directed the Jefferson County Housewives League and served on the Board of Directors for numerous community service organizations. She was an active force in the fields of beauty culture and community service until her death.

Dr. Ruth Jackson accepting an award Awards & Honors Mrs. Jackson was included in the 1970-71 edition of Who's Who Among Women in America, and was widely known and honored for her contributions to the field of beauty culture. She was founder and President Emeritus of the Alabama Association of Modern Beauticians as well as chairperson of the Southern Beauty Congress. Article from a Birmingham Newspaper "MRS. RUTH J. JACKSON has been included in the 1970-71 edition of Who's who Among Women in America. Mrs. Jackson, Who founded a beauty school in birmingham in 1935, is widely know at local, state, and national levels, for her contribution to the fields of beauty culture. Civic and Religious worker, Mrs. Jackson has been responsible for the citation and recognition of almost all of the city's best known Negro Leaders. In addition, black leaders at the national level have been honored in Birmingham through her efforts. Mrs. Jackson has received many citations for her numerous and varied contributions from groups both within and without the city. Mrs. Jackson, in addition to being owner-operator of a beauty school, directs Jefferson County Houswives League, holds offices in Thirgood Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and serves on the board of directors of a number of community organizations."