News Flash

Feb. 4, 2021 - Because of the weather forecast, a special groundbreaking ceremony for the Mary Jackson Neighborhood Center has been postponed until Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. It had been scheduled for Friday, Feb. 5. 

Because of COVID-19 safety measures, only invited guests may attend on-site. However, the public is invited to watch the ceremony live on Hampton's Facebook page. 

The new center is named for Mary Jackson, one of the women featured in the award-winning book and film "Hidden Figures." Mary Jackson was NASA’s first black female engineer, was part of the West Area Computing pool that helped get us to the moon, and worked within NASA to further the careers of women throughout her life.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, she grew up in the Olde Hampton neighborhood and made many contributions to the community. Mary Jackson was very involved with doing projects that helped the community, especially through her church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority sorority, as well as tutoring students and Girl Scouts. 

Members of Mary Jackson's family, including her granddaughter Wanda Jackson, are expected to attend.

When the center opens in the spring of 2022, new play equipment and basketball courts, along with additional amenities, will be installed in a redesigned park at the site.